One of my favorite songs!!

I thought I would share one of my favorite songs that has been on my heart lately. I have not blogged in along time because I don't have much to tell, but I thought I would encourage my readers to wait on the Lord and serve him!!!!

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am hopeful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful

But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident

Takeing every step in obedience

While I'm waiting

I will serve You

While I'm waiting

I will worship

While I'm waiting

I will not faint

I'll be running the race

Even while I wait

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am peaceful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it's not easy

But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve you while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Labor Day Fun!!

This past weekend Todd and I went with Heather, Cory, Kimberly and Grant to Knoxville, TN to watch our two favorite teams play each other. We left from Martin Saturday morning and got to the game in plenty of time to experience the Vol Walk, the parade, and the bookstore. Todd and I had never been to a TN game before and were very excited. We wore TN Martin shirts, but really did not care who won. As Todd said, it was a "win-win" for us. It was an awesome experience and makes me want to go to a game every year.

After the game the six of us drove to a cabin near the Ocoee River. It was a very nice place to stay and we loved it. On Sunday, we went to a lookout that was really, really pretty. Then we went whitewater rafting. It was tons of fun. I almost got taken out by another raft, but I survived. I did, however, fall out at another time (unavoidable) and have a bruise on my arm in the shape of a heart. Then, that night we cooked hamburgers over a campfire (it was a cool experience) and ended the night with s'mores.

We headed home on Monday and were able to stop by my best friend Grace's to see her, E.J., and baby Ensley. I was very glad to see her two weeks in a row. That probably will not happen often, if ever, again. Ensley is such a sweet sweet baby!! We had a wonderful weekend!!! I will post pics later.

Vacation

A few weeks ago Todd and I took our annual summer vacation. We usually take our vacation during our anniversary, however, we really wanted to go to our good friends' wedding so we just moved our trip up a week. It was a wonderful vacation. I forget how busy we get and it was so great to spend 5 days of uninterrupted time together. We went to Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee. We love camping and being in the outdoors.

Our first morning we decided to go to one of the planned camp activities. It was Rock Hopping and lets just say we will never do it again. It was an adventure and cool to say we did it but it was not that fun. We love to hike and are in fairly good shape, but we were not prepared for this. It was a 2.5-mile hike to the base of the falls and through the gorge, however there was no trail. The hike consisted of us hopping, climbing, and sliding over rocks and boulders in and around the creek that ran through the gorge. The ranger who led our trip even remarked that the conditions were tougher than usual due to some recent rain.

We hiked to different water falls, rode our bikes, played frisbee, read, played cards, ping-pong, Connect Four, and pool. Again, it was so relaxing and lots of fun quality time with Todd. Sunday morning, we saw two deer 30 feet from our campsite. I think they smelled our yummy breakfast. Todd got a little nervous after he yelled at them and they would not leave. He threw a stick near them and they still kept coming closer. They finally left after he hit one of them with a stick. That evening, a raccoon came to visit us. Todd had gone down to the car and I was reading in the tent. I saw a shadow go by my tent and thought it was Todd trying to scare me. So I called out his name, but he answered from the opposite direction so I got a little nervous. Come to find out it was a raccoon and he came back and visited us during the night and ate our graham crackers and marshmallows, which we obviously hadn't hidden away well enough. It also rained all night and was suppose to rain the rest of the day so we decided to pack up our stuff and go to one of our favorite places, Gatlinburg, TN. We stayed for two days and then came home.

It also was a lot of fun. We when to one of favorite restaurants, The Peddler. We also hiked our favorite mountain, Mt. Leconte, a 10-mile hike round-trip. We had a nice picnic lunch at the top. We were a little sad to see our trip come to an end, but we had a great time and are thankful for the chance to enjoy a getaway together.

Happy Anniversary!!!

Today Todd and I celebrated our 3rd year of marriage. It was a great day and I can't believe we have been married for 3 years. Some days it feels like more and others it feels like less. Hahaha!! The Lord has taught us so much and blessed us even more these 3 short years. We look forward to many more years of the Lord using us and our marriage to minister to others. It has not always been an easy 3 years but it has been full of adventure and I could not ask for a better partner to share life with. Here is a picture from our wedding.

Being Content

On Saturday, Todd and I went to the wedding of a really good family friend. It was a beautiful wedding and of course she was beautiful. It was also wonderful to see some of our close friends. It reminded me of how blessed we are. It also reminded me of how much I miss them and wish we all lived in the same town and could hang out more. However I realized something greater. We are all serving the Lord where He wants us. As much as I would love for all of us to serve in the same church that is not the Lord's plan. I know this may sound silly, but it reminds me to be content where I am and to be grateful for the new people God has put in our life.

1/2 Marathon Weekend!!

Headed to the finish line.
Kimberly was not able to get a picture of Todd during the race so we staged this one after the race. Haha!!

This weekend we traveled to Nashville, TN for the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. The weekend was so much fun. I took the day off on Friday so we could get to Nashville and pick up our packets. After that we got some lunch and then went to our hotel. We spent the whole afternoon relaxing and watching a movie. It was so wonderful just to lounge around with Todd. Then, that night we met Grace, EJ, Chelsea, Mindy, Emily, her mom, and her boys for a UTM "4-H" reunion at Macaroni Grill. It was so much fun to see everyone. I was really sad that the weather kept Brad and Kristen from being able to come. We missed you guys!!! After dinner, we went back to the hotel for an early nights rest. Too bad I was too excited to sleep!

Saturday, we woke up at 4:25 a.m. to get ready for the marathon. We left our hotel at 5:00 a.m. thinking we would have plenty of time to get to LP Field by 6:00 a.m. (our hotel was 15 minutes from downtown). However, it took us almost an hour because of a traffic jam. They race info said that the shuttle to the starting line would stop at 6:00 a.m., but, luckily, it really doesn't. After we finally got parked and on a shuttle to the starting line, we waited in the huge port-a-potty line. This was one time I wished I were a boy and could just go and use the bathroom in the bushes. After taking care of business, Todd and I did a quick warm up to the starting line and parted ways. I got to see Kimberly before the race started and so that was exciting. We took pictures with my cool poster (thanks Kimberly, you get “best sister-in-law of the year”; don't tell the other 2, hahaha!). I was a little anxious just because this was my first 1/2 marathon. Once our corral left the starting line, I just did what I trained to do. I did not run this race to win, only to meet a personal goal and get back in shape. I started out really strong and felt great. When I got a little past the first mile, I saw EJ and Grace (who get the “best friends of the year” award). I was so glad they were there. I got to see them 2 more times and each time I got more excited.

Todd and I got to see each other in passing around his 8-mile mark and the 5-mile mark for me, I think. It was so neat to see him. We did not train together, however, we would go at the same time and see each other and cheer each other on. He has been so encouraging and supportive through this whole process. I was glad I got to see him during the race. It was a sweet moment!!

So, around my 10 mile I was staring to feel pretty tired, but I knew I had to keep going. I was super excited to see the finish line. Once I got close enough, I gave it all I had and sprinted to the finish line. My goal was to finish the race in 2 hours and 45 minutes. I crossed the finish line in 2:45:42 seconds. I was really excited, but a little disappointed because I was only 42 seconds over. After I crossed the finish line, I saw Kimberly and freaked out because I wanted to make sure I was finished. Don't know what I was thinking!!! Then I saw my handsome husband!! I was so excited to see him but my legs were done and I was not thinking properly because I should have gone over and gave him a hug. I eventually did once we were on the same side of the fence. Right after I finished, it started to rain. I was very glad that I was able to finish before the rain came down.

After the race, we went to my brother's in-laws (he brought Adaline to Nashville to see me race but the weather kept them from coming) and took showers and then went to P.F. Chang’s with Robert, Adaline, Grace, and EJ. After lunch, we spent the afternoon with Grace and EJ. It was sooooooo wonderful to spend time with her. We went shopping and were trying to wait out the storms. After dinner, the weather finally cleared enough for us to head back to Portageville. I am very grateful for our trip and the time I got to spend with everyone. I was sad that I did not get to see Lauren because of the weather:(.

Overall, it was a great race and for only training for 3 months and no injuries I am very please with what I accomplished. However, without the Lord, my wonderful husband, and my iPod (thanks mom and dad) I would not have been able to do this. Oh, and I am looking forward to my next 1/2 marathon!!!!

Feeling Old!!!

Ok I realize that I am not that old, however lately I have started feeling that way. Here are the top reasons I feel old...(not in any order)

1. When I use to know lots of people that were engaged and now I know 16 people that are pregnant.

2. When my students are surprised that I know how to text.

3. When my students have no clue who Tom Hanks, Cindy Crawford, etc... are.

4. When the kids I use to baby-sit are graduating high school.

5. When the kids I use to teach at church are graduating.

6. When everyone calls me Mrs. Allison.

7. When I workout and my body does not bounce back like it use to.

8. When the food I eat all goes to my gut and thighs.

I know I am really not that old, but for the first time I don't feel young either.

Long Run

So today I did my longest run ever!!! It felt so great except for the three massive blisters on the sides of my feet. While I was running I could feel my shoes rubbing the side of my feet near my ankles, but did not stop to check. Even if I had, there was not much I could have done. It hurt, but I just kept going, and I did not realize that it was bad until I got home. When I took my shoes off, I had blood on my socks and my shoes. For shorter runs, my socks have been fine, but I guess over such a long distance it just rubbed too much. So we went to Hibbett Sports and bought me some new socks that cover better. I was going to post pictures, but since I have some friends (Grace and Kristen lol) that have weak stomachs I will refrain. Let's just say they are about the size of a quarter. The race is only two weeks away!!!

Video of Adaline playing ball

Catching up!

Sunday our good friends the Boyds invited us to spend Easter with them. We had a lot of fun and got out picture with the Easter bunny.

Well sorry it has been a while since I posted. I sometimes feel like I have nothing really important to say and people will not want to read about it, but oh well.

Not much has happened since the end of Feb. I am still running and the race is in less than three weeks. I am getting really excited and nervous at the same time. I super excited because some of my dearest and closest friends are going to come and cheer me on. I ran my longest run EVER last week 10.66. I never thought I would be a runner. However, I have never felt better. Not just physically but also emotionally. At first I did not know how I would find time with work, tutoring, and getting my Masters, but it has not been that difficult. It has helped me to be disciplined and not waste as much time as I probably did before.

We had a birthday party for my grandma two weeks ago and then since my spring break was last week I brought my sweet niece Adaline, back for 5 days. We had lots of fun!! Also I got to see a glimpse of what life would be like with a toddler. And I would keep her again in a heartbeat and still want my own children. We went to the park and Todd taught her how to hit the t-ball. It was so cute I will post a video and pictures.

I have wanted a new pair of running shorts, a new sleeveless running top, and new sunglasses because mine has scratches all over the lenses. When I came home from work today I had all three items lying on the bed. My sweet husband had gotten me all three things. Also they were exactly what I would have picked out. I am very grateful for the loving and supportive husband I have although I don't always show it. He has been really encouraging and supportive during my training for this race. So thanks honey!!!

Well, that’s about all that is going on. I have 32 1/2 more days of school and I just finished my 4th masters class. So thanks for reading and enjoy!!

Publish Post

Memphis Trip

This weekend Todd and I went to Memphis. My grandmother is in the hospital so we went to see her. She is doing better, but still not sure what is wrong. I think she will be able to go back to the nursing home tomorrow. However, we had a great visit with her. She has alzheimer's and has slowly been going down hill. The last time I saw her, she just sat there and stared into space. She could not communicate with you or anything. The reason she went to the hospital was because she was in a diabetic coma, which is odd because she is 84 years old, never been over weight, never had diabetes, and been healthy as a horse. Anyway, they are not sure why her blood sugar has been so high, but it has and we think that has caused her to be more out of it than she should be. I was very excited to see her laugh and talk. She is still not like she used to be, but she never will be because of the alzheimer's. However, it was encouraging that she knew her name, made her snazzy remarks, and when you looked in her eyes you could see life. Not a women who looked lost and confused 24/7. It was a good visit.

After our visit with my grandma we went over to Shelby Farms and ran our long run. It was probably the best run I have had since I started this 5 weeks ago. We ran on the Tour de Wolf trail. It was a really fun run. Some of it was in the woods and some was in the open, but it was so peaceful. On one part they have a place were dogs can be taken off their leash, however it was nice not to have to scream or fear for my life that they were going to attack me. They just did their own thing and did not even bother us. When we run here in Portagville the dogs run and chase after us and we end of screaming so they will leave us alone.

I really do like where we live and know that this is where God wants us, however; I do miss hills and fun recreation areas. It reminded me realize to appreciate what we have while we have. I lived in Memphis for 20 plus years and only went to Shelby Farms several times and now I wished had a place like that to go to.

Birthday Weekend!!!

That's right: birthday WEEKEND. I always have a way of turning my birthday into more than 1 day. Thursday night, I came home from class and Todd had made me a cake. I couldn't wait to eat it, so Todd lit some candles and sang to me.

Friday, my parents, brother, sister-in-law, and niece came up and we went to Shogun in Dyersburg for dinner. It was a blast and we had a great time. I love spending time with my family. I just wish my other brother could have come.

Saturday, we went to the Portageville Bulldog Foundation dinner with some friends of ours. We had a great dinner and fellowship. There was a band, but we didn't dance. Not because we didn't want to, but the music wasn't quite our taste, and the dance floor never got crowded enough for us to get "lost" in it. However, we had a great time.

Sunday after church we went to lunch and then to a movie. It was a wonderful, relaxing day with my Valentine. I loved my birthday weekend!!!!! I will post pictures soon.

Marathon Training

Well yesterday I finished my 3rd Saturday long run. I have been training for 3 weeks now. I run everyday except Tuesdays and Thursdays. I feel so much better just exercising on a regular basis. I am on track to finish the race in just under 3 hours. I have 3 goals for the race. Goal 1: to finish; Goal 2: Finish in 3 hours; Goal 3: Would really like to finish in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Nashville Half-Marathon

Todd and I are training for the Nashville Half-Marathon. We have been training for a week now and are excited about doing it. My goal is just to finish and to develop a regular workout routine. So you can pray for me now because I have never ran for more than 3.3 miles. It is in April and Todd has made me a weekly workout schedule so I think I can do it. I worked out Saturday for 4o minutes and it made me feel so much better the whole day. I hope I can follow through.