Date Night

This past Christmas Rich bought us tickets to go see Jim Brickman in concert. We have always enjoyed his music particularly because one of his songs is 'our song' and has special meaning. When Rich and I were dating the song "Valentine" became quite popular and we fell in love with it. On our first dating anniversary Rich had a display of hershey kisses in the shape of a heart on my desk & in the middle was a gift bag with Jim Brickman's CD. Jim's music has such a romantic & soothing feel to it. The way that he plays the piano is just mesmerizing.

Well, Feb 17 finally came and it was time to head out for dinner & then the concert. The ambiance of the concert was very romantic and you felt like you were the only two in the room. Many times I just closed my eyes & took in the sounds of that solo grand piano and the notes being manipulated. Ahhh to have that talent to just sit down and write from the heart and then perform it into a masterpiece. It definetly peaked my desire to learn piano.

As the concert came to a close Jim and his 2 vocalist performed a medley of his top love songs. They ended with 'Valentine' and I just couldn't hold back the tears. Sitting there listening to this beautiful performance holding the hand of the one I love the most in the world was overwhelming. We could both feel the emotion and couldn't help but think back to our wedding day and all the memories we have created since the first time we heard that song.

The day before the concert I was rummaging through the garage and found the box that contained all of our letters and memorabilia from the dating days. As I read through most of the cards and letters we wrote I laughed & cried reflecting on those memories and how far we've come since then. What a treasure to have those memories and records of most of the experiences we shared. It's so easy to forget those early days as we go through the life & get caught up in the everday routines.

I love Rich Black with all my heart and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him....I thank God everyday for allowing me to share this life with my soul mate and love of my life....

Valentine

If there were no words

No way to speak

I would still hear you

If there were no tears

No way to feel inside I'd still feel for you

And even if the sun refuse to shine

Even if romance ran out of rhyme

You would still have my heart Until the end of time

You're all i need

My love, my valentine

All of my life

I have been waiting for

All you give to me

You've opened my eyes

And showed me how to love unselfishly

I've dreamed of this a thousand times before

In my dreams i couldnt love you more

I will give you my heart

Until the end of time

You're all i need

My love, my valentine

I did it!

All this talk about running has finally come to fruition! On Feb 7, 2010 I arrived at the CSUS campus ready to pin my number on my shirt and complete the task ahead.

We arrived at the campus around 7:45, I was getting nervous every moment that got closer to 9:00. Rich, Ryan & several of Rich's co-workers also participated which made me even more nervous because I knew everyone would complete it before me. It was extra special though to have Noah & Jada there to cheer us on. But, I only had one goal....finish the race & do it within 1 hr & 30 min (i'm a VERY slow runner).

It was very exciting as the rest of the runners gathered and we got in line behind the starting line. The race began and it was time to see what I was made of. I started off the first mile faster than what I usually run so I slowed down alot by mile 2. I had not been running in 5 days so I immediately began to feel like "oh no!" The trail was along the American River and it was nice running through there, the only problem was that there were a few small hills so that slowed me down. I kept wondering how far ahead Rich was of me and kept envisioning the finish line.

I can't really tell you which part of the race was the most difficult because the WHOLE thing was difficult for me. I walked a few times but not much. I wanted to run most of it without having to stop. Once I got to mile 5 I tried to push it harder just to be done but it was tough. Mile 6 finally appeared and I was so relieved, however the race was 6.2 miles...it's amazing how long that .2 felt! I turned the corner & Rich was waiting for me and encouraged me through the end. I could see the finish line and was so excited to almost be done! I finally crossed the finish line at 1 hr 21 min. I finished it within my goal & was so relieved!

I was so proud of Rich who also completed the race in 56 min. He wanted to complete within an hour and he accomplished that. Ryan and most of the other people from the PD also completed the race within 60 min.

Physically I felt sick & wiped out but mentally I was on top of the world! I had set a goal and completed it and felt accomplished!

The week after this race though has not been successful. My knees were so sore for days after and I gave my body the whole week to recover and heal. I wanted to compete in a 5k this coming Sunday but that most likely won't happen. I begin running again tomorrow and will have to start out slower. I'm trying to find a good routine to stick with and do another race in March or April.

Running has been great for me because not only am I seeing the physical benefits but I feel better mentally & I love to be able to put in my ipod & zone out to a good podcast or some great worship music. I know....worship music???? Everyone gives me a hard time, but it's a time for me to connect and be alone and just meditate.

So, tomorrow is a new day and I'm excited to get my running shoes on and see where I'll go!

Homeschooling...

A friend asked several of her friends reasons why we homeschool and here is my spill...


When I had my kids I NEVER envisioned myself homeschooling them. But, giving them a quality Christ-based education was a conviction. My goal would have been to enroll them into a christian school that both my husband & I agreed upon but that didn't happen. Coming into a family where Christian education was very prominent and homeschooling was second nature was very challenging.

When the time did come for our first child to go to school everything came together for homeschooling. God placed me into a family who had the resources, patience & know-how when it came to educating my children. The support system has been a life-line to me & if I did not have them, then I wouldn't be able to do what I do. My sister-in-law has blessed me by coming along side me through the years, especially the earlier years, and showing me how this homeschooling thing works. Thankfully we had kids around the same ages and were able to do preschool & kindergarten together. We taught our kids how to read and that was incredible! It was so special and such a blessing to be there when my children read their first words and first sentences. My mother-in-law has also been with me for the past 2 years assisting me with our oldest sons education. She comes everyday and works with him side by side & helps keep him focused. I know she can't do it forever & it intimidates me to think of how I'm going to do it without her help.

As the kids have grown & more have come along it has created more challenges. I have found that feelings of selfishness & inadequacy are the prominent challenges. Because I do have such a great support system between my sister-in-law & mother-in-law, it often leaves me feeling as if I'll never measure up. They have a God-given ability to 'teach' and be patient where I just don't have it. There are many days that I wonder what in the world am I doing and wish that I could just send them to Christian school. There are days that I just don't want to do it anymore & it hangs over my head until we're done. I wouldn't say that I 'enjoy' homeschooling. I really don't feel like I have what it takes to be this homeschooling mom, but this is the season that God has me in. I have to accept that. God has an amazing way of turning what we think is doom & dread into days of blessings. Everyday I do get to spend quality time with my kids. I'm there when they get a 100% on a difficult test & can rejoice with them over their success. They are learning Biblical foundations, character & life skills that may not get else where. I am learning to be more patient...to take advantage of the resources around me & learn from the women whom I feel have the knowledge & experience that I desire.

I love my kids...I do love being home with them everyday. Do I want a break some of the time? Definetly! But that's where I'm so blessed by my husband. He recognizes the sacrifices I have to make to maintain our home, do dayare, homeschool the kids,serve in our church, plus try to take care of myself. Motherhood is full of days where you feel overwhelmed and inadequate. But I take much comfort in Gal 6:9....'do not grow weary in well doing for in due season you will reap a harvest'. I believe God put that in there just for Moms. I definetly do not have all the answers when it comes to homeschooling. I just know that God has put me in this position for a purpose & as long as I lean on Him, He will be my strength, He will give me the ability, & He will supply knowledge and resources when needed. He is faithful and I look forward to reaping my harvest.