What the Hail??

So, this morning I went for a run (as I usually do). I have been trying to run longer, since the weather has been warming up, and has been more Spring-like.

As I left this morning it was overcast, but there was some blue sky in the distance. I ran, about 3 1/2 miles out from my home, with no troubles. It was quite nice, actually. I was on my way back and I saw a man running the opposite way on the trail (towards me) and though he said nothing to me, he had a concerned look on his face, which made me wonder, "What was his problem?" As I turned the corner I looked behind me, and I saw a HUGE black cloud moving in quite quickly. My immediate reaction was, "CRAP!" I even said it out loud. :-) (Don't worry, I will wash out my mouth with soap!).

I was still 3 miles away from home, and I did not have many options! Really, I had only one . . . RUN!!! So, I sucked in some good air into my lungs, and heaved my body (pushing William in the jogger) and I ran like I have never run before! (You know, like when you pretend a bad-guy is after you, and you must get away!) The black cloud was literally on my heels and I thought, "Maybe if I run fast enough, I can out-run it!" HA! The wind began to thrash trees about, launching debris into the air. The dark cloud surrounded me, and it began throwing hail at my head, as if it were an enormous salt shaker, and I was a piece of meat. It hurt! I was running as insanely fast as I could, and I began to cry, though it did not matter much -- I was completely wet anyway. I had so far to go . . .Then came my favorite --lightning. Normally, I am a huge storm fan. I think (had I chosen a different life) I would be one of those freaks that goes out and chases tornadoes -- but not on foot!! The lightning was flashing while thunder was roaring -- with no counting the seconds in between (it was on top of me). Oh how exciting!!
I was running, running, praying, running. I got to an elementary school and I decided to take cover there for awhile, and see if it would let up. I was relieved for a moment, getting out of the hail. But the storm was not letting up, and I had to get home to get Daniel from school!

Off I went back into the storm. The hail began again, and the wind was whipping it into my face. William began screaming with fear, and he was also getting wet and cold. So, I continued to run at full speed, seriously praying for strength, and breath!! My lungs were on fire!

The lightning kept flashing around me, and at times I felt utterly exposed in open areas. Yet, I knew that I would be fine. God is more powerful than any storm, and I had asked Him for protection -- I knew I was ok. But that did not change the fact that I was out there, cold and wet, and using every ounce of energy in my body!! I had to keep moving forward! I had NO other option! God was with me, but I had to do the work!!

I was so alone. There was no one else out there (smart people). A few cars passed by, but no one was on foot -- just silly me.

After 3 miles of intense speed running -- I made it home. William screamed, literally screamed, for about a mile and a half. His little lip was quivering when we got home. I wrapped him up, and comforted him, though I was soaked and freezing, but very relieved!

Last night I prayed, that I would be able to find new strength and energy, while I run. I was losing my steam, and my motivation for exercise was waning. I would do it, but it was a chore. So, because I was not specific in my prayerful request . . . this is what I got! I have never run faster in my life!! I never knew I had so much strength inside of me to move so quickly!! :-) Nothing is more motivating than lightning!! :-)

Be careful what you pray for . . .

Our Weekend . . .

We spent the long weekend in Utah. We stayed at John and Mindy's house (bro & sis). We had tons of fun playing, talking, movie-watching, making cookies, church-going, grandma visiting, etc. I have too many pictures to add captions! The kids had so much fun, Sammi was crying on the way home. However, when we got home, they were so excited to be home -- it was pretty silly. William was especially relieved to be home. I think when you throw off a baby's "groove" they get concerned that their life will never be the same! He was even excited to get in his crib. :-)

We all had lots of fun, and enjoyed our trip. Thanks John and Mindy for letting us storm your castle!! :-) LOVE YA!!

I had to do a bunch of separate posts -- it would only let me do so many pictures per post. . .


Daniel in front of Grandma's house


Sammi was ready to get out of the car!

Loving Nan

Nan's house. We gave her a surprise attack -- she was so excited!!

Lots of game playing. Mindy's game face . . .

Johnny's game face

The kids loved playing games with Nan . . .
I used to play the frog game when I was Sammi's age!!! :-)

Sammi brought a how to draw Tinker Bell book to do with Nan . . .

It was so cute watching Nan draw . . .

Daniel joined in, too.

Drawing time

Nan was very focused

Mindy found something to eat at Nan's . . .

"The food is over there . . . if you're hungry it's your own darn fault!"

The table slide provided lots of fun
Cousins

Mindy's other niece and nephew came to play for awhile, Sammi and Daniel thought it was great!

Cookie time with Mindy
Cheese!

I like this Wii thing . . .

William's First Haircut

So we decided it was time. The time had come for our pirate's first haircut. Oh, what a sad day! William's hair was about ready for a ponytail! His hair was just so soft and pretty, but he started to look a little too much like, well, a girl! He actually looked EXACTLY like Sammi at that age! I will have to find a picture! Here are the before, during, and after photos . . . :-)

He was a little unsure about what was going on, but he had seen Daniel do it, so it must be ok!



His expression was similiar to mine -- as Charles started chopping away . . . Ahhhhh!
Here he is . . . in all his bowl-haircut glory!

Grandpa and Grandma sent a Thomas movie. He calls it a Choo-Choo train "mobie". He was so excited!

Remember "Moochie" from the old Disney movies -- yup! Or the young Anakin Skywalker . . .

I am a cheese-head! :-)

William is such a joy to us. He is so fun, and silly. Here are some Willy-isms . . .

• "Thank you much, Mommy."
• He refuses to call Sammi, Sammi. He calls her Daniel. He thinks that the kids are both Daniel?? Yesterday, Sammi had a candy he wanted, and we kept chanting, "Say please Sammi." He was a little upset about it, confused it seemed, and then Sammi said, "Say please Me-Me" William seemed ok with that and said, "Please Me-Me" Sammi gave him the candy and William said, "Thank you, Daniel. " :-) Oh well. It is really quite silly! Sammi is ok with it.
• "You so funny!" That is what William says if you do something silly. Yesterday, Charles was chopping down some branches in the backyard, a big one fell, and William yelled, "You so funny Daddy!" I thought so, too.
• "Bye-Bye Daddy!" He yells from his crib in the morning when Charles is moving around.
• "Hi Daddy!" whenever the front door opens.
• When we go outside at night he sings, "Twinkle, Twinkle whittle star . . ."
• If Sammi and Daniel are doing something naughty, he counts, "whon . . . two . . . free!!!
• While we wait for Daniel to get out of school, we sit in the car for awhile. I pulled out a piece of gum for me, and he said, "Please gum mommy." And I told him, "No more gum Willy." Willy replied, "Oh, Man!" (It is now how he replies anytime he can't have something. Thank you Daniel.):-)

He is just our Silly-Willy. He is full of fun!