Fishin in the Dark

The Sacred Echo

2010-09-13T07:49:00.000-04:00

"He does not want us to wait alone, but rather to wait on him alone."

At the beginning of the summer I finished the book The Sacred Echo by Margaret Feinberg. I went through it, one chapter a week, with a friend. Wow, what a life changing experience.

This is my first and not my last, (I have already started her book Organic God), Margaret Feinberg read. I have to say, I love her. I felt the entire way through the book as though we were sitting enjoying coffee in my living room. Her story is personal and strong and intimate. Things that most books in this particular genre can lack.

The book tackles the subject of hearing from God and how his voice echos around us. I believe the biggest influence this book had on my own personal journey, is that even I can put God in a box. Yes, sometimes I pray and expect Him to answer in one way and I don't see the very real ways He communicates, intentionally, in many different ways and areas of my life. Often times, repeating or echoing the message He has for me.

My favorite chapter is titled bring them to me. In essence, Margaret challenges us to bring our hardest requests, our most difficult questions to God. What would it mean to us if we accepted the invitation to bring our prayers to God, our heartbreaks and pain, and the allowed Him to provide the answers, to be the one who "...makes sense out of a nonsensical world."

I would put this at the top of your to-read list. Enjoy it with a friend and experience the challenges and reflection questions at the end of the book with them. It will change you. It will change your relationship with our Papa.

Everyone Communicates Few Connect

2010-09-10T14:58:00.003-04:00

John C Maxwell, Everyone Communicates Few Connect. A world-renowned leadership expert. Admittedly, this is my fist Maxwell experience. I am new to persuing leadership as a part of my character and identity, this book was and is a great resource.

Most non-fiction books in the area of leadership are sure-fire cures for insomnia. Not so with Everyone Communicates. This is a practicle guide to being a better communicator, a better connecter, with your entire circle of influence.

Not only does Maxwell give examples of how we fail but how we can succeed in the situation or relationship the next time. Repeadly, I found myself thinking, "that is why that didn't work". This book is a tool I will continually use as I journey through leadership.

I would recommend this book to anyone who considers leadership. Even if that leadership is in your personal life and relationships this book has something for all the ways we can become better connecters with the people in our lives.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Water For Elephants

2010-06-20T15:22:00.003-04:00

As my first finished up summer read I enjoyed Water for Elephants. It was an intriguing story of one man's journey of remembrance, forgiveness and redemption.

Jacob, the main character pulls you in from the beginning. The book follows him as he reflects on the journey his life has brought him through. It is a story of circumstance and love. And, if you ever wonder how someone may end up working in a circus, this is a pretty good adventure in that way to.

I am never one to give away plot and I am sure you can find a bazillion summaries of the story. But, as an avid reader and someone always looking to connect with the main character, even if it means being disappointed or frustrated with them, I will say this book hit the mark.

It is an enjoyable, quick read and I would highly recommend it.

The Vertical Self

2010-06-05T21:10:00.002-04:00

How do you define yourself? Do you wait for the world to tell you who you are? Do you look to the one that created you to show you who He created you to be?

The Vertical Self: How biblical faith can help us discover who we are in an age of self obsession by Mark Sayers is one of my most recent reads.

I would have to say that this book is definitely geared towards a specific audience. I think the intent was to meet a more broad need of those in the Christian world in search for a definition to their identity. I felt, it more directly would help or give insight to those in church leadership, searching for more tools to help in their ministries.

I enjoyed the book. I felt it was insightful and heartfelt. At times I felt Sayers repeated points as someone who is very passionate about something and tries to tell you the same thing in ten different ways. Not a bad thing but made it more difficult in holding my interest for long periods of time.

I do feel this is a valuable resource. In my current role in women's ministry, this book helps define some of the hurdles that come with counseling women beyond the definitions of today's culture and having them see themselves as God sees them.

I will leave you with a quote:

"We all desperately want to move toward our true selves, but our desires, egos, and impulses derail our attempts. Our culture doesn't have answers for the conflicts we feel over our desires. God, however, views our desires as his workshop. He doesn't remove them; instead, he encourages us to redeem them, to use them as fuel to move toward our true self." pg 119

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Redeeming Love

2010-05-02T10:18:00.000-04:00

Sometime last summer a friend of mine mentions that she has spent three days sitting on her bathroom counter reading a book. She just couldn't put it down and the bathroom is the only place her kids wouldn't bother her. A few weeks later another friend mentions the same book, with the tale of sleepless nights and overflowing emotion.

About two months ago, the book finally made its rounds to my house. And there it sat due to Girl Scout cookie sales. Then the usually life happens and the book ended up shuffled into my insane pile of books on the arm of my couch. Last week, I was not feeling well and didn't have the energy to do anything productive so I dug Redeeming Love out from under a few other soon to be read treasures.

It was Tuesday night, not much going on in our house, so I started reading at about 9pm and read until 3:30am. I didn't even realize the time had passed. Wednesday night, I picked up the book around 11pm, thinking I would read until my eyes were tired. The next thing I knew, Ted's alarm clock was going off, it was 5:30am. Needless to say, come bed time on Thursday, I finished the book around 2:30 in the morning.

It has been a very long time since a book has pulled me in so completely. I don't usually read a lot of love stories or historical romance, but it came highly recommended. And, I completely understand why. The story of Angel and her life was one we all have experienced, if even in a small way. Learning to accept being loved, in spite of our mistakes, can be a difficult journey.

It's a story of love, forgiveness and redemption and worth every sleepless night and tear shed. Thank you to my dear friends for sharing this beautiful book with me. I can't wait to hear the wild testimony from the next person who reads it.

Ragamuffin Gospel

2010-04-30T09:53:00.001-04:00

"Unlike Quasimodo, the hunchback of Notre Dame, we need not hide all that is ugly and repulsive in us. Jesus came not for the super-spiritual but for the wobbly and weak-kneed who know they don't have it all together and who are not too proud to accept the handout of amazin' grace. As we glance up, we are astonished to find the eyes of Jesus open with wonder, deep with understanding, and gentle with compassion." ~Brennan Manning

I have read The Ragamuffin Gospel before. This time, I devoured it. I went through each chapter, one at a time. My friend Stacy and I picked apart each chapter with awe and amazement. Each Monday night we talked together of our own understanding of grace, how we accept it, how we teach it, how we live it. I love this book. It is good food for hungry souls.

I have been blessed with the first hand knowledge of God's grace in my own life and Brennan drew out that picture in harmony. He also reminded me to humble myself in judgment of where others have been and where they are going. He reminded me to see God's fingerprint on all people, not just the ones I want to see it on.

If you believe or not, I would recommend you read this book. We have made a pretty good mess out of what Jesus came to do. He died to save the world, not just the few.

Understanding Exposure

2010-04-29T09:20:00.000-04:00

I recently took a beginners digital photography class at the local community college. It was quite an experience. I have enjoyed shooting with my Nikon for the past two years but have felt a little inadequate, well maybe more than a little. But, I have always loved it and felt joy when a picture turns into something beautiful that expresses my heart or emotion at a particular moment.

While my one simple class hasn't filled the gap, it has grown a hunger in me to know more and understand more when it comes to my photography. So, to add a special treat to my 75 book reading challenge this year, I will be adding some photography books. Now, I want to put a disclosure out there....I am not a professional photographer....I don't know how truly amazing a book is in the profession realm of photography, but I can tell you what it meant to me.

My first photography read comes by recommendation from Digital Photography School : Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. I would recommend both the web site and the book to any beginners or anyone looking for better understanding and more resources to improve their photography.

At first some of the photography terminology can feel like a foreign language. I felt this book gave me practical material with visual examples. Yes, my friends, it is a book with pictures. I borrowed this book from our local library but would love to have this on my shelves as a reference when I am shooting or have difficulty shooting the image I desire. In the few weeks I had borrowed the book, I found myself using in numerous times as a reference when I was in need of answers.

Hopefully with the help of this book and many like it I will find myself less frustrated and more able to express myself and what I see through my photography. If you are interested in seeing my pictures, I post them at: http://blessedamerican.posterous.com/

The Children of Men

2010-04-27T21:00:00.002-04:00

I began book number 6 of the year thinking I knew what to expect. I have seen the movie so I wasn't looking for too many surprises. After about chapter 3, I realized this book is nothing like the movie.

P.D. James' book The Children of Men is so much more than any movie could have been. Now, I don't want you to get me wrong. The movie was great. The book was amazing. I wouldn't even compare the two by saying the book is better than the movie, simply because they are not the same. Other than the name of the main character and the concept of a sterile society, there was very little else in common between the two.

I picked this book because it is the second in the Emmaus Readers collection that I am going through this year. Admittedly, I wouldn't have picked this one off the shelf on my own. I was pleasantly surprised. The book isn't full of warm fuzzy's and happiness but it is real. I could connect with James' idea of a depraved society, one lost of hope. I could see the struggle between faith, god and inevitable end. The characters were real, almost so perfectly detailed you could reach out and touch them.

I would highly recommend this book. It is a suspense but one that is richly built on humanity and all of it's imperfections.

Ted's Candy Shoppe

2010-03-25T21:13:00.003-04:00

In the Second of our Stolpe Family Night Production comes Ted's Candy Shoppe. This is the combination a few family nights. Yes, the puppets are all hand made. Each one of us created our own puppet. How fun it is to be creative and silly with our family.

Forgotten God

2010-02-17T11:19:00.004-05:00

2010 is proving to be a good year for book reading. I am enjoying the challenge. There will be a few books throughout the year that I am reading with a friend or in a small group. I love devouring a book with friends, it makes it even more enjoyable. My friend Janell and I just finished up Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan.

We usually take one chapter a week to read and then discuss. This book was well worth the investment in time. Each week I felt more and more challenged in my personal understanding of the Holy Spirit. The beginning of chapter 5 was a great comfort, speaking on how our confidence comes from the Holy Spirit. It is a beautiful reminder to me that God gives me His spirit in order that I may become the person He already sees me as. I don't need the world to tell me if I am good enough if I can just grasp the idea that "the most powerful Being in universe adores (me) as His own child."

I would recommend this book if you are looking to get out of the typical stereotypes of the Holy Spirit. If you are ready to get a better understanding that living a Spirit filled life is going to call you to action, call you to more reliance on God and call you to believe there are things that can only be accomplished through you if you let the Spirit work; then this is a great book. Let me leave you with this quote:

“The truth is that the Spirit of the living God is guaranteed to ask you to go somewhere or do something you wouldn’t normally want or choose to do. The Spirit will lead you into the way of the cross, as He led Jesus to the cross, and that is definitely not a safe or pretty or comfortable place to be. The Holy Spirit of God will mold you into the person you were made to be…”

Mariette

2010-02-12T12:43:00.008-05:00

For the 4th book into my 75 book challenge I have read Mariette in Ecstasy by Ron Hansen.

I will have to add this to my list of books that everyone should read. It is beautiful. The story follows a young girl, pretty and devout, Mariette, as she joins the Sisters of the Crucifixion.

I love a book that allows me to personally get involved. Throughout the story Hansen leaves it up to me, the reader, to decide my own perspective. Is Mariette truly experiencing ecstasy or is she a young girl in need of attention? If God truly spoke to this young girl, or someone around us, would we recognize it as God or would we do our best to disprove before we choose to believe in the miracle? Do we try so hard to fit people into our experiences and expectations that we miss the power of God that we so desire to see?

"God gives us just enough to seek Him, and never enough to fully find him. to do more would inhibit our freedom, and our freedom is very dear to God." (pg 174)

I didn't know what to expect. I had intentionally not read a review or information about the story before I borrowed it from the library. It is the first book of twelve from The Emmaus Readers: Listening for God in Contemporary Fiction. Each of the twelve books reviewed has a chapter with summary and questions that allow you dive deeper into the stories meaning and purpose. I will be enjoying all twelve of these books this year.

Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl

2010-02-10T14:39:00.004-05:00

While home on Christmas break, a seventeen-year-old Senate page takes her dog out for a walk and never returns. A reporter, FBI agent and a Federal Prosecutor are working together on the case.

I felt the basic idea for the book was good. But, it was very ordinary. It was difficult to emotionally attach and live out the experience with any one character. The three professional friends were dealing with their own personal demons while working through the case of the missing girl. I felt it would have flowed better if it had chosen one of the women as the main character.

It took until about pg 150 before I felt pulled into the actually story of the young ladies murder. From that point I enjoyed the story and the surprise twist. If you enjoy a good mystery novel that is clean cut with a splash of Christian morality, this is a decent read.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.

Since I got this book for free, I would like to share it. If you are interested, I will send you my copy. Just post a comment and a way I can contact you. One comment will randomly be chosen next Wed. Feb 17th.

100% Everything

2010-02-01T13:21:00.004-05:00

It's official. I am registered to run in the 2010 Bank of American Chicago Marathon.

Registration is the easy part. You type in your name, your information, your credit card numbers and wa-la you are registered. And yet, for me it is 100% the scariest part. When you hit the send button, there is no taking it back. You can't call the people and say, "I didn't really mean to fill all of that out, Can I have my money back?".

The 100% commitment begins instantly. Click, and you have an email in your in-box that is your receipt and official registration. I am not a good commitment person. When I ran the Knoxville Marathon I didn't register until the month of the race. I was 100% sure I was going to fail during my training and not be able to run it. So, why spend the money?!!

I don't know what is going to happen in the next 250 days. I have 100% faith that this is where I wanna go. I don't doubt I want to run in Chicago. I have 100% passion for the beautiful city, it's museums, it's architecture, and it's culture. My blood pumps a little faster every time I imagine the sound of my feet hitting on the Chicago pavement.

I am 100% excited that I will be running with my friend Sarah. She was the one who challenged me to begin running. She was the one that inspired me when I started my training for Knoxville. This time we will run, side by side, or until she decides to kicks my butt and run ahead. When she runs ahead I know she will be cheering me through the finish. (or vise-versa). If we cross that finish line separate or together, it will be 100% AWESOME!!!

I am 100% sure I won't be the fastest runner there. But this is about beating me, not the best runners in the world. I want to take an hour off my time from Knoxville. I know it is a huge goal but a girl can dream, pursue and run her heart out. You never know......the woman that won New York was 37, there is hope for me yet.

I may not have the best athletic coaches surrounding me during training but I am 100% supported. I have an amazing husband, who is willing to sacrifice his time and money to support my dreams. He will tolerate my diet, my aches, my excitement and my disappointments. And everyday, He will remind me of my dream. I have daughters that look up to me and cheer me on and remind me I need to run. I do this as much for them, I want them to be not only dreamers but pursuers of their passions. I have friends who will push and love in just the right doses. With my family/friends, their encouragement, this is 100% possible.

Above all else, I have 100% strength. Not because of my physical health but because when I can no longer push and I can no longer move, my God will be pick me up in my weakness, dust me off and be glorified.

I am 100% confident that I have no idea what the next 8 months of training will be like, what my life will bring me, what the weather will be like. I am 100% ready.

Moving Mountains

2010-01-28T12:57:00.008-05:00

It's day 19 of the Daniel fast. Our family, along with our church family and many churches around the country, began a 21 day commitment to prayer and fasting through Awake21. It has been an interesting experience.

I say interesting because I am much more surprised than I thought I would be. The change in diet has been, well, okay. With more and more people in our country become vegetarians or vegans it is easier to find meat free, dairy free products than I had originally thought it might be. Now, taking out yeast and baking soda was a little more difficult. I was amazed at how many of our everyday products contain sugar. I am not going to say this is easy.

I had one particular evening where I was desperately in need of finding comfort through food and well, not easily done when nothing you can eat is fried or has sugar in it. But, it was such a reminder of how when life gives us grief we turn to things other than God. I wonder how many times I have ignored Him to be comforted by food.

Setting apart time to concentrate on God, to focus on Him has been a blessing. My original purpose has been literally sifted until He has shown me what He has for me. I went in with some major big picture ideas that He has taken and shown me the heart of.

One of the major things I have been shown is how much I worry about what people think of me. In the last 19 days I have seen many an occasion to explain or talk about what I am doing. And, my first thought is always, How do I explain this without seeming like a religious freak?

How do I make sure you understand this isn't a diet thing? How do I tell you how much I want more of God in my life without seeming a little crazy? The craziest part of it all is that for almost a year I have been praying to be one of the crazy people. Seriously. I want to be the person who isn't afraid to pray for someone in the grocery story. I want to be the person who reads her bible. I want to be the person who gets up every day with one intention and that is to glorify my Father. I want to be the person who believes when God tells me that my faith, as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains through prayer and fasting. I want to see mountains moved.

Real

2010-01-19T11:51:00.005-05:00

Reality is about the best way I can describe this book. And how all of us that proclaim to be Christians need to be real with our testimonies.

Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller is book number two for 2010. This book came highly recommended by many and has been sitting on my shelf for over a year after finding it at our local used book store.

I wasn't sure what to expect but I will tell you that it was an enjoyable read. It was neither Christian self-help or the story of a person picking themselves up from the depths of a miserable life. It was just his story and how his spiritual journey. I have to say that I enjoyed his writing style. It was simple and real and I could feel the emotional connection to each of the short stories he told. I like to feel something when I read, I want to love and hate right along with the storyteller and this book gave me that opportunity.

So, I would recommend it. Christian or not, it is a real story of how someone comes to believe in the things that they do based on people and the experiences that they share.

Haiti

2010-01-14T13:20:00.003-05:00

I know, I only have about 4 regular readers to my blog and yet I believe my God takes what I give and makes it exponentially more. So I ask you, take a moment to decide how you can help.

People in Haiti are already poor and already in need of help. And now, after this devastating earth quake are in need of more of you. Of us. Yes, the ones who complain about the cold and curl up in our heated homes on leather couches. We have so much. I know, the credit card bills are rolling in from our extravagant indulgences over the holiday. I know, some of us are stretched thin with gas prices and mortgage payments. But still, you have so much.

For a moment, I ask of you, give what you truly can and change the lives of people you will never meet because they need you.

You may ask why Compassion.....because they are real, established and believe in the power of our Lord and Savior. If you want to give to the Haiti Earthquake please consider Compassion’s Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief.

a pit, a lion and a snowy day

2010-01-09T17:03:00.003-05:00

So I have official finished one book in 2010. In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day by Mark Batterson.

I loved it. The entire book. If you ever struggle with fear of failure, fear of looking foolish, fear you are doing the right or wrong thing or fear you will make a bad decision you should read this book.

I was challenged to face my fears and realize how truly irrational they can be. I saw that fear, failure and the butterflies come to anyone attempting to chase their dreams. It really is time to stop waiting for those things to be gone and to chase in-spite of them.

Augusta, GA

2010-01-08T17:35:00.001-05:00

Posted via email from blessedamerican's posterous

Augusta, GA

2010-01-08T17:12:00.001-05:00

Posted via email from blessedamerican's posterous

to infinity and beyond

2010-01-08T15:35:00.004-05:00

well, we sent 2009 out with a bang. Grandma Joanne spent the last three weeks of the year with us and we included a sprint of DisneyWorld, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and SeaWorld in Orlando as part of her trip.

Here we are no worse for the wear and thankful for all of the blessings that came into our lives in 2009.

Now, time for new ideas, change, goals and challenges. We are ready!!

I have made a few "resolutions" and look forward to sharing them with you.

First: I want to read 75 books. I am planning on sharing each one with you. Some will be new, some will be books I have already read, some will be fiction and some will be classics that all of us should take time to read. I love diving in and devouring the written word. I rarely keep track of what I have read so I thought this would be a fun way to see where this takes me. On of the books I am really hoping to finish is the One Year Bible. I have started it every year for about 7 years and never make it past March.

Second: Ted and I will be doing our first Daniel Fast. We are excited to see where this spiritual journey takes our marriage, our family and of coarse our relationships with God. I am hoping that we both make a little time to share with you the experience.

Third: Chicago!! oh yes, I am beginning to train for my second Marathon. Chicago, October 10th.

Fourth: I am so excited to see where we go from here. Ultimately, my goal for each year is to see change in our lives. I want each of us to grow and be different. I want to see what 365 days of life experience brings us to.

So, here we go.......to infinity, aka the adventure of 201o.

The Edge and Back Again

2009-09-30T12:47:00.003-04:00

Admittedly it has been waaay too long since I have posted to our blog. And in case you were wondering, we didn't fall off the edge. Although, we may have peeked over it......

Life has a way of getting in the way of all the plans we make. Things out of our control take on lives of their own and continue to interrupt our ideas for the routines we would like to have. Here it is 6 months from our last post. So much to catch up on and the thought is overwhelming. I will start from here and not from there because it is so much. Along the way I may take a brief flashback to let you know where we have been.

I hope you are ready to read some of our quirkyness again, or at least keep up on the craziness of our family and how truly blessed we are to be living a life full of love and laughter.

NO REITERATIONS

2009-04-06T07:34:00.005-04:00

Welcome to my newest blog post called “No Reiterations”. It will actually be a periodical blog about food. If it makes you think about one of my favorite TV shows… No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain… that’s exactly what I was going for. I also chose to use the term “reiterate” because it's defined as “to do again or repeatedly, to repeat excessively”. In short, the point of my blog is to try and inspire anyone who reads it… to stop eating the same foods day in and day out. I would simply encourage you to look for and try new things. Don’t misunderstand, I’m not asking you to stop going to your favorite places… or eating your favorite dishes… just try something new from time to time. You never know, you just might find some new favorites…
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Hot Dogs at Harry’s on Main Street in Westminster Maryland on 3/23/2009

Most people might argue that I’ve already broken my founding blog rule by trying Hot Dogs. After all, the premise of this is to inspire trying “new” foods. Well, all I can say is I’m not going quite that far with the idea. The actual intent of “No Reiterations” is to drop the hum drum staple foods most people eat day in and day out. Think about it… when you cook or go out to eat… I bet there are only about 10-20 different dishes you regularly eat. Our family is the same way. If we couldn’t get chicken tenders, grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese pizza at every restaurant in town, our kids would probably never eat. You’ve heard “variety is the spice of life”… I’m just making a habit of trying something new to me at least twice a week.

All that aside, I know you’re thinking… what’s so “new” about a Hot Dog. How can it be special, unique, or out of the ordinary? I can see your point. So let me tell you about these dogs. Harry’s on Main Street in Westminster Maryland is the home of genuine award winning Coney Island Hot Dogs… the same Coney that the Baltimore Ravens make it a point to stop and eat every year while in Training Camp at McDaniel College right here in Westminster. And they aren’t the typical wieners you probably have in the fridge right now. Comparing this to a typical Oscar Meyer… is like comparing a Rolls Royce to a Honda. Sure, they’re both cars… but beyond that they have nothing else in common.

The Coney Island Hot Dogs at Harry’s are what my friend Xac would call “so good it makes you want to slap your mama for never cooking them like this”. Harry’s Coney’s are made from Beef and Casing (a sausage). It’s put on a perfectly steamed bun… and topped with all meat chili, yellow mustard and chopped yellow onions. NEVER with ketchup.

From the picture I’ve included, you might see all those onions and think it’s going to be way too much. But these are mild enough; they add just the right flavor and texture. By the way, I consider it a bonus when the food actually resembles the menu picture :-). Personally, I never really enjoyed Hot Dogs per say… and I’m sure most adults are the same way. After all, that’s why we grill Brats and Burgers for ourselves… and get a pack of wieners for the kids. But believe me… if these are available… the kids wouldn’t get anywhere near them and your family pooch would be in heaven because you’d drop your backyard burger in a second for one of these. Bottom line… I imagine if I had a list of food genres, this would definitely be in my Hot Dog Top 5. This is certainly one of my new favorite places to go in Westminster… and I found it because I decided to have No Reiterations that day.

Day 10

2009-03-10T18:32:00.003-04:00

We are 10 days into our 40 days of water. So far I have come through some pretty obnoxious caffeine withdrawals....but it is worth it. I have approximated our beverage spending and we saved about $35.00 last week. No coffee, no fast food sodas, no sweet tea while running errands. And yes, not even a glass of wine on our night out.

Many people have asked us why we are doing this. Part of me wants to know that I can give up anything I set my mind to giving up....I don't know why I need to know that, I just do. Maybe it has to do with quiting smoking and starting running. Maybe it is the challenge in my life lately to live a life above and beyond and truly represent the God I say I serve. Really, it is us doing our little part to make someone elses life a little better. Isn't that what we are all called to do?

My Roots Grow Deeper

2009-02-27T17:27:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I had the chance to go to Off The Blogs in Atlanta. It was truly an amazing experience. I have to say I didn't know what to expect when I went and many thanks to Farah for joining me in something she really had no interest in to start with.

It was a simple enough concept, get out from behind the computer and meet each other. For real, not the picture that is painted in the few words written about their lives in the weekly blog posts. I went with the hopes of grasping a better understanding of how they create community on their blogs, how to stimulate conversation and build relationships with their readers.

My first impression...WOW!! They had Aaron Keys lead a time of worship. Amazing. Absolutely Amazing. Not only the song choices but his knowledge and passion for the Psalms and God's word. Breathtaking. At one point he read through Isaiah 61, I could have stayed and listened to him read the entire book of Isaiah if he had wanted to.

The event was hosted by Pete Wilson. Carlos Whitaker, Anne Jackson and Jon Acuff each took a time to share a part of themselves. (I highly recommend you check out their blogs.) Here are some of the amazing things I learned:

Ground your Identity in Christ and not in the comments, the image or the words.
"Fine" is the Christian F word and we need to stop a culture of just being fine.
Be transparent. Everyone needs someone to say "me too". People struggle and need to know that they are not alone.
Be held Accountable. Place people in your life that will check up on you, love you and be completely honest with you.
Give the Gift of Second. Be willing to share your testimony, your story first. Give someone else the courage to tell their story once you have told yours.

Regardless of how any of us choose to respond to God's grace, it all has meaning. It all is a part of a bigger plan. Sometimes we do it imperfectly, sometimes we get it right and loose focus of our purpose. It is always used for His glory.

40 Days and No Coffee

2009-02-25T10:08:00.004-05:00

Ted and I have decided to take on this challenge. And yes, even I, the one that could single handedly support the coffee industry will be putting aside my love of a perfect beverage.

From March 1st to April 9th it will be water only. (I have to make one small confession though: because of the marathon training I will be purchasing those little packets of propel mixture for my water. This will be purely for my long runs and the day of the marathon. I need the extra carbs, sodium and calories those days)

We both feel that everyone deserves clean water. It is something we take purely for granted in our country. The opportunity for clean water and sanitation offers many people in Africa the chance to live healthy lives.

Check it out: Blood:Water Missions

For those of you that participate in Lent, this is a great opportunity to sacrifice and give in the same moment.

Join us. Together we can make a difference.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

Crab Sandwich?

2009-02-12T07:06:00.004-05:00

Yes... That is a whole crab... and I'm supposed to just throw the other slice of bread on top and dig in. It's a deep fried soft shell crab... and I was told it just crunches like a crispy french fry. In actuality... it tastes like a deep fried turd... then you have to deal with the gelatinous filled waxy coated plasmatic exo-skeletin texture.

I was able to choke down 3 bites. For some reason I thought it might get better... but it only intensified as I got deeper into the main body... which was just how God intended it to be on the ocean floor... full of guts and partially digested yet still rotting fish heads the little bastard was baited into the crab net with.

Andrew Zimmer's got nothing on this bizarre food!

I feel dirty... and my fingers smell like sea gull puke.

(I received this email from Ted last night. He is in Baltimore on business. I suppose you just have to try everything once.)

Putting the Pieces Together

2009-01-19T23:00:00.003-05:00

Do you ever wonder how your friendships start? Where is the line drawn between acquaintance to friend to good friend to family?

I think it must be moments. Little things that add up to something much bigger. I believe it becomes about vulnerability and honesty. It is about getting rid of the fear that someone may actually know you. And I mean, know. The good stuff and the bad stuff.

The more time you spend with people, the more pieces of the puzzle are put together. Before you know it, something beautiful has been created. Friendship.

This is a little something we put together with our friends the Farquaads. You know you gotta be good friends if you can sit around a table for 5 hours putting the itty-bitty pieces of a puzzle together. Don't forget to add great food and good music, it always helps set the mood.....

Stylin'

2009-01-16T15:37:00.004-05:00

It has been almost 10 years since I was a professional hairdresser. It is hard to believe I have been a stay-at-home mom longer now then a working woman. I would have to say that my talents as a hairdresser don't get the workout that they use to. Luckily though my beautiful girls have been blessed with amazing hair. So, yesterday was time for trims and they are looking quite cute. I would love to show you how great they look but the giggles took hold and I couldn't get a decent pick, so here is a goofy one....

Today was my turn to go in and get a good cut. I am keeping it quite short for the convenience of running daily. I just can't handle the pony tail thing, it drives me nuts. Although, I don't really remember the last time my hair was long enough for a pony tail. I am sure they bug me though. After I got home from my haircut I had a little fun with the color. I am blessed not to be fighting with too many grey hairs but I still just can't handle the boring brown....so, here is my new do and I have to say I love having my hair done.....

Free Music

2009-01-13T20:58:00.003-05:00

I dunno what kind of music you enjoy. I like all kinds of music. Today during my blog meanderings I stumbled upon these few sites and found free music downloads. Most are unknown artists just trying to get there names out there and build up a fan base. I found a few artists that I like.

Okay, so first you wanna go to Indieheaven.com...check out the artists, see what you like. Then under the music section there is a little tab that says Redeem. Click there and it will ask for a code, most of them give you one right there, type it in and it will send you to volumMonster.com and waala...now click the download button.

One disclaimer, I think most of the music is Praise and Worship. I enjoy that kinda thing so it works for me....

I found this little nugget from Transparent Christian Magazine. They recommended Brad Reynolds. He is very good. He has 3 songs for download. I like the song In the Real World, go check it out......

The Power Is In Your Hands

2009-01-13T09:08:00.000-05:00

Spielburg is a genius.

I have always been a big fan of his movies but now I am a fan of his video game. Boom Blox

As a family we have never been huge video game people but last year we purchased our Wii. We have been loving it. It is a fun, active way to spend time together as family.

Over the holiday break we rented this little game at Madi's request. It totally ROCKS!! So, we bought it, of course. We have now spent endless hours improving our bomb throwing, jenga pulling, and baseball pitching. It is a great multi-player game, which is fun to play with friends. Creating more addiction in other households. Ask Ted (and our friends the Farquaads) just how many nights they have spent doing just "one more level" past 1 am.

If you are out and about, run into GameStop and grab your family a copy. You will love it.

$6100 Giveaway

2009-01-13T08:27:00.003-05:00

I found a new blog today through one of the other blogs I read....(hehe)

I started my morning reading one of my new favorite blogs stuffchristianslike. I read the little snippet about a new book coming out and the author Anne Jackson. I had to hit the link to check it all out at flowerdust.net. Anne it seems is running a little giveaway to help promote her book, Mad Church Disease.

If you are interested in sharing your favorite scripture and why it means so much to you click here. You could potentially win a copy of the Logo’s Scholar’s Library. Best of luck.

Inject Your Soul With Liberty

2009-01-12T20:44:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday. It was busy for us and mellow at the same time. We slacked a little on our Marathon training. We did about half of what we should have. But now it is a new year and time for a little focus.

I was terrified to see what I had done to myself during New Years (We had a big Seafood Feast at our house) so I didn't weigh in last week. I thought the discouragement would be a bad start to the new year. I did however work my butt off and got back in the routine of regular work outs.

I got on the scale today and WootWoot!! I am down 4lbs. Yeah!! Can you see me doing a happy dance? I got on the WiiFit tonight and it gave me a little triumphant trumpet sound because I have crossed the line from Overweight to Normal. Yep, there is something that calls me Normal. Although it can't truly judge my character it can make me pretty happy in knowing that I am at a normal weight for my age and height.

A huge kudos for Ted. He has been working really hard. He is down to 237, which is awesome. He has lost 30 lbs and has bought 3 new pairs of jeans. He is a total Hottie!!

The training is going well. A lot of time is being spent on the dreadmill because of rain and cold. Ted and I have 2 upcoming races that are part of our training. Next Sat (the 24th, I think) we are going to run a 10 mile race. Then, on Valentines Day, we are going to attempt a 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles).

Sorry that I took a hiatus from the playlist and blogging. It was the holidays after all. But, don't fret, I am back on our regular routine and am more than happy to share my favorite songs with you.

This week is a great one for running on the Dreadmill and a favorite from my younger angry chick days.....The Cranberries: Salvation

A Good Man

2009-01-09T12:32:00.002-05:00

How is it that the words of an Athiest can change me? Because they are honest.

2009

2009-01-03T19:21:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year (and 3 days)!!

Frothy Goodness

2008-12-18T16:39:00.004-05:00

I really don't need a good excuse to drink coffee. It takes very little justification on my part to purchase a 5 dollar, 500 calorie, 12oz sip of heaven.

Thanks to the genius' at Starbucks and the good hearted people of (Product)Red I have a new excuse to purchase my deliciously sinful treat.

If you haven't heard of this great winter promo, let me inform you. If you purchase an Espresso Truffle, Gingersnap Latte, or a Peppermint Mocha Twist, Starbucks will donate 5 cents to the Global Fund to help save lives in Africa.

Okay, so you can once again justify your overpriced coffee purchase. Go to the (Starbucks)Red website and you can even make a commitment to help out. Now, your spouse should completely understand the $30 in coffee purchases this month. You are helping children in Africa get medicine, after all.

It may sound like I am making light of this but in truth this is a something dear to my own heart. If we can help anyone, in anyway, we should. If you don't think your five cents can make a difference, here is the quote from a recent (Product) Red post.

In just the few weeks that the drinks have been available your purchases
have helped generate a contribution to the Global Fund that can provide more
than 1.4 million days of antiretroviral therapy for people who need it. This
means 3800 people living with HIV could get a year’s worth of medicine, all
because of you making a simple choice at your favorite coffee shop.

Hank Williams Got It Right

2008-12-18T12:28:00.003-05:00

I had two really bad weeks in a row. At least that is how I felt. I was slow and mad because I had to workout on the Dreadmill. I would love to always have a positive post for our training but it is so easy to get discouraged. Holiday eating is not helping either, makes me feel ick because I just eat too much of it. Last week, every workout was comparable to a dentist appoint. I even talked myself out of working out twice in the morning. Eventually I did them in the afternoons because I knew I needed to.

Ted says that it is important to keep things fun and try not to make our running feel like work. He has a point. It felt like work last week. I knew I needed to do it and it was hard to find the motivation. In my mind I can't imagine that every time I go out and run that it is suppose to be a good time. I mean, this is six months of training. Oh, and I want to run a marathon. Ted is content with the benefits of what is happening today. He would be thrilled to make it to marathon day and actually run it. Me, I want to run it. I want to run the whole thing. Somedays, that is so completely overwhelming that it knocks the wind out of me.

This Monday, I got on the scale as I do every Monday. Expecting to see a weight gain or breaking even I was pleasantly surprised with a 2.2lb loss. WooHoo!! Not expected, at all. This weight thing drives me nuts. One week I kick butt all over my work outs and gain a lb. The next week, I feel like I have had a root canal and I loose two. I know it is a process of time and metabolism, etc...but really?! So, I am now down 11 lbs. And, that got a little more motivation for this week.

I was able to run outside on Monday because it wasn't raining and it was actually over 40 degrees. Yeah! I pushed myself a little too much and ended up with my knee bugging me all day. So, I iced, compressed and took Tuesday off. Back on the horse on Wed and I felt great. Great workout today too.

My playlist pick this week is for the old school rocker in me and christian music lover (okay, I know I have multiple personality issues) but it is a new song (Aug 2008 release) and new to my playlist and great for picking up my pace on the Dreadmill.

Decemberadio: Gasoline

Eat Too Much, Drink Too Much

2008-12-15T13:36:00.003-05:00

Dec 8th was the beginning of our Week 11 in training. Ted started with all good news and a 4lb weight loss....seriously....Me on the other hand put on another .4 lbs....my competitive spirit finds it extremely annoying that he is loosing weight so easy and yet I am very proud of him for all of his hard work and the truth is, easy isn't a very good word to describe all of the determination and commitment that he is putting into this.

So, the week was a pretty uneventful one. Most of the running was done on the Dreadmill due to really cold and wet weather. Still, not my favorite way to go running so I have added in alternating the elliptical machine because it isn't as hard on my knee and I find more joy in it. Oh, yeah, my knee has started bugging me a little bit. I don't think it is anything serious but it feels tight. I haven't been spending my usual time doing yoga and stretching and I think it is having an effect on it. I will get back to yoga this week and see if it helps out.

We are having trouble making time for our long runs on the weekends. The commitment is there but we are having trouble finding time. We now need about 2 hours for the run. Madi is currently playing basketball and has a game every Sat until the end of January. To top it off, we need a sitter. Someone to come and play with the girls while we run. So far, we can't find anyone. It is also the holidays and there are lots of to-do's.....I am in need of a little refocus and solution finding.

As you can tell from my tone, I have been feeling discouraged. There are just times when the goal is just far enough away that all of the obstacles become distracting and make it hard to see where we are headed. I know where I want to be and I know hurdles are a part of the process. So, on to a new week.

My song pick for this week is Dave Matthews Band: Too Much (disclaimer: the video is the live version and the language isn't censored.)

All Right Now

2008-12-11T08:35:00.000-05:00

Week 10 was not a particularly great week for training. I put on a pound over the the Thanksgiving holiday. Not bad but not great. I had a really good run on Monday and then....

....the crud got me and I was down for the rest of last week. It was hard to convince myself that I needed to rest and get better before going out and running in the cold. Dang, it sucked though. I get tripped up so easy and missing 4 days of running is not a good thing.....

Trying to look forward and keep moving....

This is my playlist choice of the week, mostly because sick days come and go and it is going to be alright.

Free: All Right Now

Deliverance and A Revelation

2008-12-10T15:50:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had one of those eerie, scary movie moments in your life?

On a recent date night, we were going with some friends to a Third Day concert. Our friend Jacque took the girls for the night, Ted came home early from work and we headed out to meet up with Curtis, Robin and Adam. All of us piled in the mini-van by a little after 4pm and we were on the road. The concert was in Asheville, so we had about a 2-2 1/2 hour drive in really cruddy weather.

The trip was moving along great. Adam was surviving the intense crash from the energy drink he had ingested during the first 10 min of the drive. We stopped at a BK for potty breaks and burgers. A very intense red shirted lady was irate at our slow movement at the soda fountain, then we all waited another 15 minutes for our food. Nothing like hurry up and wait. On the road again, we googled the Civic Center address and plugged the info into Jill (the Garmin so affectionately named).

No reason not to trust Jill, she knows where to go. Well, she knows where we told her to go. Things are good until our left turn becomes a right and we are in a suburbanite neighborhood. No worries, Jill knows. Another left, right, around a bend, now things are looking a little rural. Seriously. Maybe she knows the back way, we will get great parking. It is only 7:02, we are just missing the beginning of Brandon Heath, no worries.

Now, there is something that in all of Jill's great functions that she is missing. Instinct. Like when Curtis pulls up the road and sees it turn to gravel and without hesitations has us completely turned around....where, out of know where is a pick up truck with it's head lights blaring straight at us (can you hear the banjos playing)...now, at the same time Robin gets a phone call from an unavailable number, some crazy Southern preacher talking about whores in East Tennessee and going to Hell. It was so totally time to get out of there, regardless of Jill's opinion on the matter.

With some panicked urgency we found the real address to the Civic Center and made our way to the concert. After the insane traffic we should have been battling 30 minutes earlier, we made it in time to see Brandon play his last couple of songs. Didn't miss a minute of Third Day. (Can I get an Witness?!)

It was a great night. Our Deliverance moment makes a great story. It is nice to get out and listen to great music that glorifies our Father. I have seen Third Day six times now and would go again tomorrow.

For your listening pleasure:

Third Day: Revelation

Set Apart

2008-12-10T12:49:00.005-05:00

On November 30th we were honored to support our friend Zach as he accepted the Lord’s call to serve and be Ordained. Zach (now Pastor Zach) and his family are a blessing to Canvas Fellowship… and to our family. We are all proud of his accomplishment, but we know it’s not in Zach’s character to think any of this is about him. Zach serves the Lord… and we know everything he does is meant to glorify God.

Thank You Pastor Zach! You honor God as well as so many friends and family with your service.

Ordinary Days Are Full Of Extraordinary Moments

2008-12-10T12:08:00.003-05:00

If you ever wonder where time goes, take pictures. I couldn't believe I was two weeks behind on making posts here....then I started going through the pics. My goodness.
We had a great visit with Grandma. Ellie and Madi love to curl up for movie night.

We got a little snow and had to run out as fast as we could before it melted away...

Madi's Basketball season is in full swing. We are having a great time watching her learn all of the fundamentals of the game. She still needs a little help with her competitiveness but that should come. In her first game she made a free throw, an assist and a rebound....

Ellie is already Madi's biggest fan. "Go, Sissy!"

Men in Tights

2008-12-10T11:13:00.002-05:00

We love when Grandma Joanne comes to visit. Whenever she is here we do fun things we have never done before. This trip we decided to go to the ballet at the Tennessee Theatre. It was a beautiful place. I highly recommend seeing a show in this auditorium, it is gorious.

In all honesty, this is mine and Madi's first time at a ballet. It was the Nutcracker performed by the Moscow Ballet. Wow, it was truly beautiful. They didn't allow photography during the performance, so no pics. But trust me on this, there are men that look good in tights......

Madi had a really good time. I think it is something we will do again. Her favorite part was the snow flakes. We grabbed a couple of packages of M&M's to munch on during intermission. Learning to not crinckle the bag during the second act was a bit difficult.

After we finished the show we headed home and enjoyed the traditional Thanksgiving meal we had prepared in the morning. Yummy. Ted was kind enough to keep his eyes on the turkey while we were gone.

A Royal Feast

2008-12-10T09:28:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love getting together with friends and sharing good food. This year was especially wonderful. There is so much to be thankful for. We were honored to accept the invitation to Lord Farquaads for a royal feast prepared by Mama Franqui.

The Boys (Marcus, Ted, Xac, Daniel and Geoff) BTW: they are not watching the game, they are watching cartoon videos of forest animals being slaughtered. Gotta love the Internet.

Caty and Madi had a good time playing Outdoor Challenge on the Wii.

Misty is planning her Black Friday attack. Or maybe she is seeing if anyone starts their sales at 2pm...

Zoie and Ellie. The two best looking at the festivities.

The Stolpe's and Grandma Joanne that flew from Oregon to visit with us this Thanksgiving.

The Stolpe's with Zoie because she was happy and said she would smile with us...Ellie was being a grump.

We had a great day. We are truly blessed by the great people that are in our lives. Thank you for the wonderful food and great friendship.

For Me To Poop On

2008-12-10T09:03:00.003-05:00

Marcus really had no idea that we had trained the girls' stuffed animals to retaliate when messed with......

Hope that cleaned up for you alright Marcus.

Ted and Madi Show: Episode 1

2008-12-09T22:13:00.000-05:00

You Can Ponder Perpetual Motion

2008-12-09T15:23:00.003-05:00

This is for the week of Nov 24th. I apologize for being so far behind. It is hard to keep up on the blog when we have company. I promise if you every come to visit that I will also use you as an excuse to procrastinate my posts.....

So, we were truly blessed to have Grandma Joanne come and stay with us for Thanksgiving. I feel a little bad for some of the time we spent running while she was here. I know she understands. But, truly, I don't think I see the amount of time we are spending on our commitment to the marathon training. I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Grandma for being so understanding and for watching the girls for our Thanksgiving Day run.

We had a good training week and of coarse the high of the race was a great motivator for the rest of the weeks training.

No playlist would be complete without a little Creedence, so my addition this week is:
Up Around the Bend by Creedence Clearwater Revival

oh, check out the side bar. I am trying a new widget that is the list of the entire playlist in one place....

8k equals 5 miles

2008-12-09T13:02:00.005-05:00

We did it. We ran our very first race. Bluecross Autumnfest 8k in Knoxville. Well, we weren't racing really. Ted and I used the run as part of our marathon training. Part of training is also learning what to do with all those jittery nerves that show up during race day with other runners around us.

Instead of getting up at 5:30 am to put a turkey in the oven on Thanksgiving morning we got up to go running. We had to get up so early so we could "fuel" up and have it digested before the race. On the menu: 1 Banana, 2 pieces of wheat toast, 3 tablespoons of peanut butter and water. Lots and Lots of water.

It was about 30 degrees out when we got to the venue. Brrr. We went to the registration and picked up our chips (it is this little thing you put on your shoe that does the timing). We met these two really nice ladies that are both from the West Coast while we were patiently waiting. Whenever we saw them we would throw the W sign and yell West Coast, hehehe (runners are funny people).

The race started at 8:30am....it was so cool. Everyone crowded together. I think there were almost 900 runners. Have I mentioned that this is also the first time Ted and I had run a continuous 5 miles. Oh, yeah.... We did it in 54:56. Placing 751st and 752nd. Our pace was 11:02 a mile. Perfect. We were able to talk to each other through the whole five miles and really enjoyed the entire experience.

It was really amazing and I wasn't nearly as nervous about the whole thing as I thought I would be. I felt really prepared. There is also something to say about Ted's calming effect on me. Having him there, running next to me, makes this an even more wonderful experience.

Food, Yummy, Food

2008-12-09T11:50:00.005-05:00

About the time the kids bring in the large buckets full of Halloween Candy until the beginning of New Years Resolutions there is a ritual performed with much gladness. Eating. Besides being a little more cautious of our serving sizes I can't say that Ted and I have really been leaving anything out of our diet during our yearly ritual. This really is the only time of year that I find it necessary to do any form of baking.

My girls love licking out the bowl and eating warm chocolate chip cookies, I really shouldn't deprive them the other 10 months of the year from yummy milk dunking goodness.

Now, I took this picture while we were out doing some shopping with Grandma. In a disagreement over menu choice and me giving in to the fact that I may have to finish her meal along with mine. (Or take it home to go bad in a doggie bag). I let Madi order the 1/2 rack of Baby Backs that she so desperately had to have. She ate them all. I didn't even get a bite.

Yes, this is homemade pie. It was really yummy. No one in my family really likes pie. So, I made Cherry instead of pumpkin because that is what I wanted. And when you are the cook you have ultimate control and get to make what you want. So, I did.

Shout Out

2008-12-09T11:39:00.004-05:00

I know, I know....I am totally behind with the blogging. With any luck I am catching up.

I have a special SHOUT OUT to my baby girl Ellie.

While Great Grandma Joanne was visiting for the Thanksgiving holiday....Without a whimper or a tear she got her little ears pierced. She was so adorable. Patient.

She listened to all of the instructions and waited as the kind woman marked her ears with the pen and gave her a Claire bear to hold.

After the first, not a noise. After the second, nothing. We all watched and waited, the nice clerk told Ellie she was done and all we got was a big ol grin from ear to ear.

So, the next time you see Grandma or Ellie tell them how nice their earrings look. Ellie will be more than proud to show them to you.

Coupon Madness Has Begun

2008-12-09T07:34:00.005-05:00

A couple of weeks ago our church put together a coupon class. In an attempt to help us all save a few dollars on our household expenses we got together to learn how to be successful coupon users.

It was pretty overwhelming at first. Lots of little tricks to learn. Trade secrets that are only shared from one coupon clipper master to the novice. I have never been above using coupons for meals or family entertainment. I have always been a supporter of the school coupon books. Usually using about 5 or so to get the value for my 10 bucks.

Any one that knows me or has been to my house knows that I have paper stacking issues. Seriously, I own filing cabinets but never use them. I apparently enjoy the stress filled moments of digging through stacks of unopened mail and school notices to find the important document I need. Really, this is a serious flaw in my personality. So, couponing has always been a bit of an intimidating thought. I do what I can to keep my paper clutter to a minimum, coupons do not help. My first thought is that I will have stacks of unread, unopened newspapers and magazines just waiting for me to find the time to clip coupons out of them. Can you imagine my halls lined with stacks of paper? Irrational I know, but this is a real fear of mine. It is genetic, you should have seen the stacks of newspapers my Great Grandparents kept in their house.

I digress......back to coupons.

So, this very handy little class got me motivated. I have bought into the idea that this could potentially save my family some money on our household expenses. I have gotten myself a notebook, baseball card sleeves, subject dividers, pencil pouch, scissors, paper clips, pens, a notepad and envelopes. I have been at it for about 3 weeks now. Guess what?!! I am saving money, almost 40 a week on our basic grocery bill.

Let me put a disclaimer on this coupon thing, it takes time. I mean, time to organize and learn. Time to clip and compare. There is an investment here and you have to decide if it is worth the work. To my family, right now, it is worth a few hours a week on my part to save whatever I can. Hopefully, the better I get and the more I learn, I will make my 40 turn into 60 dollars of savings a week. My current $800 a month budget for our household goodies is already going down to $660.

As mom, manager of all things household related, I feel pretty good about this couponing thing. I am hoping to continue to see more savings as I get to know more tricks of the trade. Hopefully I will share a few nuggets of info with you too.

Here is the pick of my couponing notebook and my bin for things that need to be clipped and sorted. Thought I would start out with an organized routine so that I can avoid the newspaper lined home.

Gettysburg

2008-11-23T08:36:00.007-05:00

Last week I was on a business trip in Westminster Maryland… and on the last day I had a few hours to burn before heading to the airport. I knew Gettysburg Pennsylvania was only about 40 minutes away, so I wasn’t about to pass it up.

For the purposes of clarity… Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) is the site of a major Union victory in the Civil War which stopped Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North. This is also where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous (and appropriately named) Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863.
Also for the purposes of clarity… I did not do the above history lesson to patronize you. I did it because I find more and more people whom apparently did not benefit from the same 5th Grade curriculum I did. I’m sorry if this offends you in any way, but tune in to Jay Leno’s “Jay Walking” sometime and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

When I arrived in Gettysburg, the battlefield was greatly obscured due to dense fog and slightly overcast skies. It was interesting to find out that this is probably what it looked like on the morning of July 1st 1863 as the first shots were fired.

The battlefield grounds are well kept yet the overall imagery is quite unassuming. For the most part, it looks like any other open field in the countryside. Don’t get me wrong, there is no need for anything grandiose or flashy… as it would probably just distract you from the reality of what happened here. The site is perfect just the way it is… with well crafted and sparsely placed monuments. All in all, I was quite humbled by the experience, yet “humble“ doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling you get when standing on the battlefield.

Personally, I think its impossible to come to a place like this and not learn something… nor could you come here and not feel something. Anyone can pick up a book or search the web, but that will never connect you to what happened in the same way that actually standing here does.

______________

Standing in the grass on the battlefield at Gettysburg… amazing!
____________________

The experience generated all kinds of feelings and emotions. It was sorrowful yet inspiring… depressing yet motivating,.. surreal yet celebratory… awesome yet awful. I know these words seem contradictory, but I simply can’t describe it any other way. I’ve never felt anything quite like it. You suddenly realize you are standing in the very place where hundreds of people fought, suffered and died for an idea. You are standing in a place where some of the bravest men in history stood… where our great Forefathers stood… where great Americans stood.

Only a few of the names of those who fought here.

All in all… I am grateful to have come here… and I’m humbled by the service of each and every one of our Nations Soldiers... past and present.

Thank You!

Resolution of Happiness

2008-11-18T21:04:00.004-05:00

130 days and counting....that is how long we have until the starting line of our 26.2 mile run.

7 days and counting...that is how long we have until the starting line of our very first race. An 8k on Thanksgiving Day. Yesterday, we filled out the registration and paid the entrance fee for our first official run. I am a little freaked. Not so much about running the 5 miles but about getting to the starting line. The worst part of my personality is that I am not a very good starter; I am okay once I get there but the anxiety of getting to the beginning almost requires self-medicating.

Last weeks training was okay. Not my favorite, mostly because Wed through Sat were on all machines and not outdoors. I much prefer the change in scenery, even if it does require the occasional dodging of vehicles that don't expect a woman to be out running at 5:30 in the morning. I still managed to total 22 miles last week. Woo Hoo!!

This week has started out well. I had a great Monday and did 4 miles in 40 minutes. I was booking it. I don't know where the spurt of energy came from. It has been cold, I think I just wanted it to be over as quickly as possible. Today I did another 4 but it took 50 minutes. Seriously, it took me almost 20 to do the first mile, but then I kept good pace. It was 22 degrees when I ran this morning at 4:45am (Ted had to go to work earlier today). Maybe that was the problem, that is too early and too freaking cold.....

So, this Saturday we start running our long runs with the local running club. I am excited and nervous. Hoping there are more beginners than just Ted and I. But they teach us how to refuel and have other clinics and there are about 100 runners that we will be able to learn from.

This weeks song I like for the fact that it is a classic and like most of my other choices has some great guitar that keeps me moving at 5am. While I realize my choices are not the usual hip-hoppy aerobic/cardio expectations of an athletes playlist, I will not apologize for enjoying good music.

INXS: Don't Change

Weekend Update

2008-11-18T20:29:00.003-05:00

Time just keeps moving, doesn't it? Last week was long with Ted out of town on business. We stayed busy with a girl scout meeting, small group and the beginning of basketball season for Madi.
Friday after I picked Madi up from school we decided to go see a movie. The girls and I hit the cheap theatre, $4 for a movie popcorn and soda; only 12 bucks for all three of us. We saw Journey to the Center of the Earth with Brendan Fraser. It was good family fun for the afternoon. A text from Ted let me know he was running two hours late due to flight delays in Atlanta so I decided to join the Farquaads and Dukes for Shrimp Pasta and adult interaction. I was desperate for some conversation with people over 9 yrs of age. It was wonderful company. We played Scattegories and Guesstures. I love board games, brings out my competitive spirit. Before I knew it, I had gotten another text from Ted saying he should be in around 1am. Yeah......

Okay, this is where I official win a bad wife of the week award. I assumed Ted meant that he would be landing in Knox around 1am....so, I called him around then and he says, "I am walking in the door, where are you and the girls?!!" Oh, yeah, I suck. Poor guy has been away from home for an entire week and I was off playing board games with friends when he finally gets home. I immediately pack myself and the girls up and head home in the pouring down rain where no one on the interstate can move faster than 40 because of the rain and fog. No worries, Ted isn't mad at me and most definitely didn't make me sleep on the couch. I just feel a little like a looser....

Saturday was great. We slept in until 10am. Wow, haven't done that in a while. Because of the nasty weather, we did our run on the dreadmill in the gym and did some good muscle exhausting on the weight circuit. We went grocery shopping and I made some amazing homemade chicken noodle soup with perfect biscuits. It was great, the perfect food for a comfy day.

Sunday was another good day. We spent the first part of the day at our church. We then went over to hang with the Wiedemeiers and watch the Green Bay/Chicago game. Ted worked up some great Braughtburgers on the grill, Brandy made her killer dip and chili. Yummy!! Packers kicked some serious tushy and that always makes for a good day. Then we watched the NASCAR championship. Took Madi to basketball practice. She picked her jersey, number 23. The coach says to her "that is an awesome number, that is Michael Jordans number." She stares at him with that, okay whatever, I don't know who that is look on her face. Oh my gosh, she doesn't know who Jordan is. I am a bad mother....

Gridiron Gumbo

2008-11-13T15:38:00.009-05:00

Tailgating Stolpe Style at the 2nd Annual Canvas Fall Fest. We entered our Gridiron Gumbo in the Chili Contest.

The Pastoral Staff at Canvas: Pastor Nick and Farah made a show of Republican pride for their American Chili. The Farquaads (I think Xac says this is his underwear model pose) won for most unique chili. It was good, full of pineappley goodness.

Much to my proud honor Robin and I entered the pie eating contest. Downing an entire apple pie.

Are they even making an effort? Curtis looks ill. Are they using utensils?

We Rock!!

In case you aren't sure: this is what defeat looks like.

We are such a great example that we even got the kids gorging themselves on pie. All the dads giving a helping hand with the hair. Nice. Looking good Rachael and Hannah.

It was a fall festival after all. So, after the kids finished spitting in this bucket trying to get apples, the adults joined in. Here is Ted and Curtis going for it. Ted won. Robin and Ted were the quickest draw. Ted claims a head butt in the competition between them but I think Robin had him on the hair flip....

Here we are in all our glory. Winning Best Overall Presentation. You know you all want to tailgate with us.....

GO PACK GO!!

2008-11-11T20:36:00.006-05:00

November 1st/November 2nd

2008

For anyone that has known me for any length of time it is common knowledge that I am a Green Bay Packer fan. Now, I am not one of those fly by night, when the team is good kind of fans. I know the players by name and I passionately watch the games with joy and disappointment. My blood pressure rises, my heart races and even the occasional obscenity will fly out of my mouth while watching a game. I cried at the disappointment of our playoff loss last year, at Brett Favre's retirement and when I found out he was going to play for the Jets.

Back in April when they posted the 08-09 NFL schedule, I jumped for joy with the prospect of being able to go to the Green Bay/Tennessee game and immediately asked my favorite Packer fan Brian to come out for a visit and join us for the game. Ted got the tickets for me as a gift for my birthday (Have I mentioned that my husband totally ROCKS!!).

As you can imagine the anticipation for my first Packers game has been building for 6 months. Oh, My, Gosh I couldn't believe I was really going to go.

The week of the game had finally arrived and it seemed like everything was going to be against us. My original hope for a sitter for the girls fell through. The guy we were getting tickets from decided to keep them for himself, apparently he was surprised the Titans were undefeated. So, we made the mad dash to find tickets, the week of the game, I really don't recommend doing this. Next, Brian missed his flight, seriously!! A lot of patience and a 3 hour wait and he made the next flight. We then had issues with kennelling our dog and the hotel. Seriously, it was getting a bit ridiculous. But, we are not people that give up easily. Luckily, Zack and Misty saved the day by keeping the girls for us. Jacque stepped in and helped with Buddy, thank God.

We finally made it to Nashville around 7 or so and then had to switch hotels because of "broken pipes" or what we call overbooking. Once we finally got settled; we took the not "free" shuttle back downtown and had a lot of fun. Full disclosure here: this is the first time in many, many years we have closed down a bar. Yep, we were out until 2:30 am. We had a great time. I think I hugged more strangers in those few hours than I have my entire life. Almost everyone was decked out in Packers gear and giving love to all who sport the Green and Yellow. I am officially a part of the real Packer family now. :~D

The game was beautiful. The stadium was open and the sun beat down on us all day. It took me almost to the half before I could take a full breath and realize I was really there, in that moment, watching my team play on the field. Even though I was in the nose bleeds, I know (in my heart) they could hear me. I will keep my criticism of Rodgers to a minimum. It was bigger then a win or loss for me. This is a moment that can not be repeated. My two favorite football fans beside me; the only two guys who understand my compulsion towards football.

My joy is overwhelming. Even now and for as long as my memory holds I will have a special place for this game. A moment in life that comes once. Thank you Brian for coming out and being a part of this experience with me. Love you!!

Next stop: Lambeau Field

Send You Back To Arkansas

2008-11-11T16:57:00.003-05:00

Week 7, yep we are seven weeks into our crazy adventure. 4 months and 17 days until the big race....

Things are good and moving along. Ted and I did our first 5 mile on Saturday and it went really well. We ran over to the high school and did a few of our miles on the track. Wow, running a track is completely different. First, it is flat and that is nice. Second, it is easy to keep track of distance and that is nice. Third, it feels like it never ends and that sucks. Fourth, you aren't going anywhere and that sucks. So, it is an okay way to do a part of our Saturday run but I don't really care for it. I would rather struggle up a hill than go in circles.

For week 6 the total mileage was 21, that includes 4 on the elliptical machine. This week should run about the same but more running than walking. I am hoping to run a consistent 3 miles on Thursday morning. We will see, those hills are going to have my foot prints pound into them by the time this training is over....(hopefully).

My weigh in on Monday was not great, I gained two pounds. It is my own fault, I entered a pie eating contest on Saturday and ate half an apple pie to myself (pictures to come soon). Robin ate the other half and we totally kicked everyone's butt so it was completely worth it ;~D

Alright, this weeks playlist song is just a classic. I like it because my runs are getting longer and it makes me wanna move and keep moving. The video is lame but it was the only one with the same song version I have on my Ipod...

Ray Charles: What'd I Say

Shout Out

2008-11-11T11:54:00.003-05:00

Today we take a moment to honor the men and women that have fought, are fighting and will fight for our freedoms. I thank God for each and everyone of you that serves sacrificially to defend our constitution. There are not words to express the gratitude I have for your service. Thank you. God Bless you and your families.

Gimme Strength for Round 5

2008-11-07T11:27:00.004-05:00

Week 6: It is now the end of week six, I am a little off this week on my posts.

Last week was a wonderful accomplishment. I upped my run/walks to 4 miles and I did a complete 2 mile run, hills and all. I felt great and worked hard and it paid off. When I got on the scale on Monday I was down 4.4 lbs. That puts me just over 10lbs lighter than 6 weeks ago.

It has been a mellow week for me. One that required a little more push. We had a great weekend with very little sleep. It hit me like a ton of bricks when I went for my run on Tuesday. Sleep is still a major issue for me. I keep telling myself how important 8 hours is and still I don't get to bed before 11pm. I have made up for my lazy runs with a little extra cardio and strength training at home. I had a great workout yesterday and today.

Tomorrow we (Ted and I) are going to attempt our first 5 miles (that is a walk/run combo). I'm excited. If we both feel good about it we may sign up to run an 8k on Thanksgiving Day. Now that would certainly take away from the guilt of eating mashed potatoes and turkey while watching football for 4 days straight.......

This weeks song to add to the playlist is a goodie and seems appropriate for election week. Especially since my candidate lost on Tuesday. The video is also a piece of cheezy goodness....

John Mellencamp: Authority Song

Weekend Update

2008-11-07T11:23:00.001-05:00

We had an amazing weekend. But, I can't get it all in one post yet. So, I am working on it. Pics and everything. I will say that it was seriously awesome to have Brian here with me when I went to my first Packers game....more info coming soon....

Complacent

2008-11-04T16:47:00.004-05:00

I have always been a big fan of voting. I haven't missed a major election since I was old enough to check the box of my chosen candidate. Those of you that are close to me know that I can get a bit passionate about practicing this important ritual in our society.

It was strange to me today. With all of the build up for the last 2 years. All of the excitement and talk and need for hope in this country. There are people complaining about taking the time to cast their vote. An hour in line is too long to have your voice heard?

A few years ago there was a major election in Africa. The people there walked days in the African terrain barefoot to have their voices heard. They knew that it really didn't count, that the winner was already chosen. Still, they walked in the heat and starving to say they had a voice. Their voices were not honored by their own government, but I heard them. I heard voices in need of hope and change. People in need of food and health care. People in economic crisis that live in real shacks with no right to even own the property it sits on.

Isn't it worth an hour of your life to have your voice heard? We are a bunch of spoiled brats in this country. With weeks of early voting available in almost every state we still didn't make the time. We passed the voting lines with an "I just don't have time today".... We complain of higher gas prices and health care crisis but don't even know the candidates that represent us in our Congress. Our lives are just too busy to do the research, too busy to care.....Our complacency is a choice to let other people run our lives.....

Stand up, be heard and make the time that is more important than your hair appointment, chai latte or dry cleaning.... Go VOTE!!

Breathing Life

2008-10-30T07:43:00.004-04:00

It is officially week 5.

Ted and I both stayed even on the weigh-in this week. Not bad. Considering the extra days off and the extra calories over the weekend. I did my measurements this week. I have lost over 8 inches. I dunno if I did the math right because I only measured one thigh, calf, forearm and bicep. I have lost 3.5 on my waist, but still haven't changed pant size, I don't know what that is all about.

I would call this weeks training triumphant. Tuesday I was able to add an extra mile to my run/walk and still kept my time at 12min miles. Today, Thursday, was a big day for me. I only did 2 miles but I ran the entire way. Up this crazy hill that has been mocking me on a daily basis. Today, that hill had nothing on me. I pushed through and made it up both times.

I actually started crying when I got to the end of the two miles. All week it has been on my mind to run two miles straight and conquer those hills. Ted told me I should be proud of myself if I could make it around one mile. These are pretty intense hills and I know he was trying to make sure I didn't disappoint myself. So, the alarm went off at 4:42am, I lay there for a few minutes talking myself into getting up. Hit the alarm when it goes off the second time, right then our dog walks in to check on us. I crawl out of bed, pee, brush my teeth (yes, I brush my teeth before I go), get dressed, stretch, grab my water, grab my keys and ipod. Yikes, it was freaking cold (28 degrees). I walked the first 5 minutes to warm up, which wasn't working. Then I just started running and kept running and the first hill came and I kept going. It was so strange, on the downhills I could actually feel my heart rate going down and my breathing ease up. Then up the next hill, down the next. Before I knew it, I had done it twice, 10 min miles.

I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have been truly proud of myself. Particularly for something that was up to only me. When I tagged the back of our minivan, I broke into tears. I did it. Me. I ran that @#$% hill. Today, I am a conqueror because I believed I could do it....

To add to the playlist, it is a great song by one of my favorite groups, Skillet. (disclaimer: the video is a little graphic; clips from the movie "We Were Soldiers")

Skillet: Comatose

Weekend Update

2008-10-30T06:54:00.006-04:00

This is actually an update that includes part of Madi's fall break. For some insane reason they start school at the beginning of Aug. Because they start so early, they take a week off in October?!! I know...strange...

So, we had a great week. Tuesday, Madi had her friends Savannah and Carson over to play. Wednesday, I met her new friend Hannah that just moved here from Texas. Hannah went to small group with us and stayed the night. Thursday morning we decided to pack up a picnic and headed to the mountains. We finally had a cold snap, so the leaves started to change. We had a great day. Jackie, Edwardo and Grayson joined us for the picnic.

Friday we met up with Jill and Rachael. We went to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. It was a lot of fun. Mellow for a Friday morning and the girls had the gym to play around in to themselves. Jill and I even got in on the fun and attempted a few back passes and free throws...amazingly no pictures of our attempts. We headed to Olive Garden for lunch then back to their place to "play" for a while.

Friday night me and the girls helped Ted set up the RV for tailgating at the Vols game on Saturday. I once again got lost in downtown. Even with TomTom I can't find my way around here. It is kinda sad. Madi and Ellie think it is part of our downtown adventures.....

Bill, Daren, Mark, Scott and Ted started the tailgating about 6 hours before the game on Saturday. I wasn't there so you would have to ask Ted what exactly they did. I do know that they didn't stay at the game through half-time.

Ted made it home Sunday morning in time to go to church with the girls and I. We had a mellow day. Ted cleaned out the RV (I didn't even go in it). Then took a nap :)

I took the girls up to the park to play on the swings for a bit. Our girls are not really a good mix with nap time.....

Swinging in Freedom

2008-10-26T17:29:00.003-04:00

I love playing on swings (well, I use to). I love the feeling of being free. Having it in my own power to fly as high as I wanted to go. Sometimes, high enough to make the perfect leap with the perfect stuck landing. Sometimes, just high enough to lean back and stare at the sky, feeling the air flow past with all of the freedom rushing through me. And, slow enough that with very little movement, a few twists and a quick lurch, a controlled spin ensues with all of its anticipated excitement.

Playing on a swing does not hold the same experiences for me as it use to. Now I am thrilled with the joyful laughter it brings to my children. The constant call of "do-it-again". With a 1-2-3, anticipation builds as I finally run underneath them with one huge push. Away they go. One; with all of the strength and determination to go as high as her swing will take her. The other; in perfect trust that I will guide each swing just high enough to keep her safe and thrilled by the ride.

My children; their laughter is a constant reflection of my faith. Watching them swing reminds me of the Freedom I have been given through grace. I have such an amazing gift, one that allows me to live in flight. I am given the opportunity to fly higher and higher, make perfect landings or even take that freedom and bind it up so that I am spinning in circles. Regardless of what I choose to do with it, I am Free. His gift of life and freedom is waiting for a response from me.

Today, I am in a place of flight. I know I have more than I deserve. I will lay back in the height of my swing and breathe in His life as it flows past me. It is in the place of surrender that I know my God is amazing, His creation beautiful, and my Freedom is in Him alone.

I hope the next time that I am spinning in my own circles I will be reminded; God's freedom doesn't change. It is usually my need to take control that makes the movements in my faith small, causing me to get sick to my stomach.

Jason Upton: Freedom

VOTE

2008-10-24T19:33:00.002-04:00

I just want you to know how important you are. Your vote counts. Make a difference and take the time to VOTE!! Whatever you believe, make your voice heard.

Your Dust Collectors Are Needed

2008-10-22T12:41:00.005-04:00

WANTED

ALL OF YOUR BEST OF INTENTIONS

Is your closet hiding a fitness secret?

If we looked under your bed would we find an unused piece of exercise equipment?

If so, Don't fret!!

I have a solution for you......

I need your "stuff".

I need a jump rope, exercise bands, and the medicine ball that never actually got blown up.

Those crazy videos you bought with the best of intentions could be put to good use at my house.

In all seriousness, I am looking to accumulate a few new pieces of exercise equipment. Just the small stuff. If you have any that you would like to get rid of, let me know......

Keep Me Warm At Night

2008-10-22T11:33:00.005-04:00

We are now officially 4 weeks in to our training. WooHoo!!

Last Sat we had a great run/walk together while we were camping. Even Ted was enjoying himself while he was singing the Rocky's theme up one of the hills. I don't know if I have mentioned this yet but this training has brought a new little spark into our marriage. Sometimes life gets busy and complicated and too many things get in the way of having a relationship with each other. Now, on Saturday mornings we are getting to spend time together, work hard together, motivate each other and laugh together.

One of the many life lessons coming from our training is finding balance. Balancing acts are a part of life with work, family, church and school. Learning to balance and find the right placement for all of life's priorities is hard to do. Right now, I feel like we are hitting a good groove. Finding time and energy to take care of our bodies and our relationships. Something always seems to get sacrificed in the process of finding balance. I suppose that is what will make it all worth it, the reminder of the cost to succeed. We are giving up bad habits for good ones. (Even if I have to give up seeing the last season of ER so that I can go to bed by 9:30)

Ted and I both had a great week on the scale. Ted is officially down 8 lbs and I am down 6. Hopefully by the time Spring Break gets here neither of us will be complaining about bathing suit season. We have a pretty good routine down now with my morning runs and his runs when he gets home from work. We both put in around 15 miles each for the weeks training. Fall officially hit this week and it was freaking cold in the mornings, I need to get use to that. On Monday, Ted was still snoozing when I got back so I curled right in next to him, I don't think he appreciated that very much. We should be thankful that we don't have to train in Wisconsin.

I had my first training day on a treadmill because of rain. It was awful. I have used treadmills before, but seriously, I have never run on one. My whole body was rejecting the idea that performing that feat on a treadmill was necessary. I will have to do it again I am sure, hopefully each time it will seem a little less hateful. On Sat I was able to do our run on a nature trail and it was wonderful. I loved the soft ground, the trees and the crisp air. Maybe each time I have to do the treadmill I will reward myself with a nature run, just a thought.

Okay, so the playlist song this week is another oldie but goody. I can't decide if my playlist ages me or not. Oh well, it is keeping me on my feet and pushing forward one step at a time.

The Romantics: What I Like About You

Weekend Update

2008-10-21T20:22:00.006-04:00

We started off Friday with Birthday Celebrations for Madi...She got a new bike and cupcakes. I didn't take pictures of either (seriously!)
Friday and Saturday was the Canvas Camp trip. We had a great time. Good food, Good Friends and Good Conversation. (above: Mrs. Sue with Ellie, The Farquaads and Ted with baby Farquaad)

(below: Madi's best friend Grayson came camping with us, Madi on the tree swing, and a little proof that Engineering Brains; Zack, Ted and Daniel can implement their own strategies to accomplish getting ladderball golfballs out of a tree)

Sunday the kids performed their Fruit of the Spirit song. They are so adorable. I am a proud mama, both girls knew them all. Pictured with our girls are the other wonderful kids from Canvas. After six weeks of hard work all of the kiddos knew their fruit....

We spent Sunday afternoon napping and watching Green Bay kick some Colt bootty.....I love football!! I especially love Packer football!!

Birthday Promises

2008-10-21T11:17:00.005-04:00

I decided to do a little cleaning up of my email box this morning and found this little gem. If you go to the link, enter your birthday in the boxes it will give you a Bible verse that goes with your birthday.

BirthVerse

Our Father's Promises in our Family Birthday Verses

John 5:24 “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Walls

2008-10-19T20:26:00.006-04:00

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired. When you were younger the mind could make you dance all night, and the body was never tired...You've always got to make the mind take over and keep going." - George S. Patton, U.S. Army General and 1912 Olympian

I am not a believer in coincidences. I think everything happens for one reason or another, however big or small. Everything has significance. Most of the time we fail to take time to pay attention and give things the value that they deserve. People especially have meaning and significance that we don't always honor. Recently my life has been changed in extraordinary ways by friends that are far away.

Many of you know that I struggle with self-deprecating thoughts. I can tear myself apart pretty easily. I know all of my weaknesses and continue to remind myself how truly inadequate I can be. My greatest challenge is to overcome these thoughts. I do my best to remember that I am a child of God, I am His. He knows me and loves me. He uses my weakness to show His strength.

A short time after my devotional time on Saturday I received a text from my friend Janell (gotta love technology). She was at a craft fair selling her pots to raise money for her missions trip to Africa next summer. She too had spent some time in prayer and chose to share some scripture with me.

Psalm 18:28-29 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.

The words from the Psalm were the reminder I needed. If Janell realized it or not, her desire to share these beautiful words helped me find Hope. A wall, that is what my mind can be. A troop full of negative, hateful thoughts. Darkness in need of light. I can be a great encourager to my friends using God's Word but in the same breath forget their significance in my own situations. "...with my God I can scale a wall." I can overcome this in my life. With my God's strength and light I can have a renewed mind. I will scale this wall in my life.

In our God's perfect timing he also used the beautiful words in a worship song this morning. It is one that I have sung many times before, but today it had conviction. A portion of the lyrics by Jason Upton (I Will Wait):

There's a wall that stands in front of me

That I know I just can't climb

And like an eagle you will carry me

Its just a matter of the time

I'll Come Runnin'

2008-10-16T18:45:00.005-04:00

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp, or are you going to be strong today?'" --Peter Maher,

I have never really considered myself a strong person. Physically; I am pretty strong, for a girl. Mentally; I am my own worst enemy. In record breaking time I could give myself a thousand reasons why running a marathon is a ridiculous notion. While I am reading some of the wonderful books that are preparing me for the run, I can feel the pressure push in on my chest. I can barely breathe when I think about running the entire 26.2 miles.

Four of my five training days I set the alarm clock for an insane hour, giving myself a few extra minutes to hit the snooze button at least once. In my 9 minute wait until I have to get out of bed, I try with all of my might to overcome the voices in my head. Can I do this? Will I make it? Deep down in me I have to know that I am worth this. It is not the hard work that is the problem, its convincing myself that I, Angie, can be and will be a marathon runner.

I have an amazing accountability partner, Sarah. She is the one that got this crazy idea in my head to begin with. We check in with each other every Monday with our progress and weigh-ins. I was fairly discouraged at the beginning of this week. I had one bad run last week where my legs were bricks and I had cut it short. My weigh-in went the wrong way on the scale, which just sucks. Sarah reminded me, today, of the hard work I am putting in. Thank you, Sarah. Thank you for lifting me up in my time of self doubt and weakness. I only hope I can be the same encouragement when you need me.

I needed the change in perspective. I needed to stop the overwhelming pressure of the forest and just focus on the trees. I need to focus one day at a time. I forgot that I had run 14 miles last week. Me, Angie, I ran 14 miles. GO ME!!

Today I was strong, tomorrow the alarm will go off and I will again decide to be strong.

A special song for all of the friends that keep me moving.

Carole King: You've Got A Friend

Shout Out

2008-10-15T21:50:00.005-04:00

This Friday will be our baby girls 9th Birthday. That's right, Ms. Madi will be 9 years old. I am overcome with disbelief. How? When? Our beautiful blue eyed, catch-me-if-you-can is growing into a young lady. She has a mind full of curiosity, a hunger to explore, and a love of all things living.

Pride isn't a big enough word to say how we feel about our daughter. She is sunshine in our lives. Each day we thank God for her amazing heart. Pray with us as we continue to nurture her, care for her and teach her. May we continue to guide her and allow her to be the light she is to all that know her.

Happy Birthday, Madi-Rae. We love you!!

Honorable Mention this week goes to my sister Shawna. Out of respect we won't mention her age. We love you tons and wish you a wonderful birthday.

Punkin Painters

2008-10-15T21:40:00.004-04:00

Taking advantage of Ted being in Baltimore we spent a little time after dinner decorating our pumpkins. I know, I am a totally lame mom and won't let the kids carve them. Hey, I am a person of practicality. Painting is only half the mess and our pumpkins won't rot out until November. We had a good time and made some beautiful works of art.

The Nose Knows

2008-10-15T20:39:00.000-04:00

You Are the Sense of Smell

You appreciate the smaller things in life that few people notice.

You notice subtle changes just as they happen.

You're the first one to know if the seasons are changing or if the cookies are done.

You love new environments, and you can recall all the places you've been.

You have a sharp memory, and you are often nostalgic for the past.

You enjoy traveling internationally. You have an easy time taking in a new place.

Which of the Five Senses Are You?

My Waterloo

2008-10-15T13:22:00.005-04:00

Sunday afternoon we were driving to the Smokies for a picnic and a short hike. Our girls do a pretty good job entertaining themselves during mini-van rides. In the midst of their conversation Madi was talking about how when she grows up she is going to move back to Oregon, where she was born. She proceeds to talk about how I will someday move back to Utah and how Ellie and Dad will move back to Iowa.

Ellie, in all of her amazing wisdom pipes up and says "Daddy"
"Did you go to Iowa just to pick me up"

We spent an amazing three years in Iowa. Meeting some of the greatest people we will ever know. Creating friendships we will keep for our lifetimes. Ted found answers and guidance that brought Him into relationship with Our Savior. But, if you asked us why we were in Iowa, Yes, Ms. Ellie, we went to Iowa just to pick you up.......

Greeter, Really?

2008-10-15T01:01:00.002-04:00

Job In Heaven Quiz

Your job in heaven would be :

Welcoming new arrivals and introducing them find their families

Find out what your job in heaven would be at Quizopolis.com

While The Mandolins Are Playing

2008-10-15T00:21:00.004-04:00

This last weeks training went well. It feels a bit like a drag. I'm not sure why, I am just unmotivated. I got on the scale this Monday only to see a weight gain. Yuck!! Now, I am not in the marathon training to loose a bunch of weight but I was hoping that it would be a positive side-effect.

I walk/ran 14 miles last week. One mile shorter than the training. Thursday morning I felt like someone had tied bricks to my legs so I called it short. I felt better after doing an hour of yoga and stretching everything out.

The Sat and Sunday training with Ted is still going well. He runs faster than I do, I walk faster than he does. I know that our timing will get more off as we both get stronger. We will start doing our long Sat runs with the local running club so we can run with others at our own pace. It should add a fun new element to the training. Also give us a good gage of what we should be doing.

I am still really struggling to get 8 hours of sleep a night. I usually get around 6, on a good night. Luckily the workouts exhaust me, so that helps. I have tried setting a bed time but only have myself to really hold me accountable. Ted reminds me come to bed but doesn't drag me when I need the extra motivation. Maybe we can work something out in that area.

My song this week is a fun one. I couldn't find the exact version I have on the Ipod but this is close. Enjoy :)

Michael Bublè - It Had Better Be Tonight (Meglio Stasera)

Weekend Update

2008-10-13T21:46:00.007-04:00

We hope everyone had a great weekend. Ours was good as usual. Busy and worth every minute.

Friday we enjoyed burgers at the best place it town. Yes, we splurged and it was worth every scrumptious bite of the bacon cheeseburger. Then we headed home for a little family fun on the Wii and played our new game, Active Life Outdoor Challenge. Good times.

Saturday morning we had basketball sign ups then headed to the pumpkin patch/corn maze with Madi's Girl Scout troop. It was a beautiful day. I don't know that I have ever been pumpkin picking when it was 80 degrees before.....

We buried their heads in the corn. It was a good time for about two seconds.

I don't know who's idea it was but the corn maze was shaped like Pat Summits head. Go Lady Vols!! This too was fun for the first few minutes then we broke the rules, went off the path and snuck out the entrance.....

We hit the farmers market on the way home and picked up some beautiful mums and of coarse a few good veggies to add to dinners this week. A few gourds of varying shapes and sizes that at some point will make a nice fall decor for the front walk, hopefully before the week is over. Bill and Jill invited us over so we grilled out and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Ladder ball tournament in full swing. We played a few rounds and enjoyed the great company. It was beautiful to watch the moon rise up over the neighborhood. Too bad the mosquitoes are still buzzin' around.

Sunday after church we headed out to the Foothills Parkway. Another beautiful day. The view was amazing. Every time our feet hit a new trail I am in awe of God's amazing creativity. The colors of life and fall changing right before our eyes. Mountains on the left, valleys on our right. I wonder if it is all just a glimpse of His true majesty.

Shout Out

2008-10-10T12:52:00.006-04:00

This weeks shout out requires a little help from you....

In May, Parkersburg, IA was devastated by a F-5 tornado. Very close to many of our dear friends. The tornado tore apart the local high school.

Thanks to my friend Kelly over at What they Say I found out that Applington-Parkersburg High School has been nominated to receive a $25,000 grant. But you have to vote for them......

So, go to http://www.henkelhelps.com/. You can vote once a day per valid email account....Take a minute, even if you only do it once, do it.... It is your good deed of the day :)

A Real Choice 4 President

2008-10-09T20:45:00.003-04:00

Are you looking for a candidate that is honest and has integrity? One that will answer questions directly with a yes or no?

I have our Candidate. The man of the hour. A straight shooter with a no holds bar attitude. Capable of sharing a plethora of obscure knowledge. If our national security comes to wits and "your mama" jokes, our Country will be in great hands....

Click here for more information: Ted Stolpe for President

Adult Onset Athleticism

2008-10-08T11:38:00.006-04:00

Apparently they have a name for what we are doing. Adult Onset Athleticism. It sounds like a disease not a change of life. Because we are over 30 we are suppose to be more aware of our potential for injury. There is a long list of things we have to watch out for and be prepared for. I don't mind knowing all of the information but it is a real wake-up call to all of the things not being 20 anymore adds to your life. This made me start to think about the differences between 20 and 30.

Here is my list of the Top things being 30 adds to my life:

Love: Sharing my life with someone so long that they are Home to me.

Family: Sharing my life with people that support me unconditionally.

Flexibility: Knowing that all the things I once thought were so important are worth compromising.

Faith: Knowing my God for how Great He is.

Friends: Sharing my life with people that know how to make lemonade of all my life's lemons.

Potential: If you can be a positive influence in a child's life, you have already made a step in changing the world.

Time: Everyone has time for the things that are the most important to them.

So, tell me, all of my 30-something friends, what has being 3o added to your life.?

The Road has me hypnotized

2008-10-08T11:23:00.006-04:00

Three weeks and still moving. Training is good. I am still moving and not injured. Yeah!!

This week we started actually running as part of the training. Monday morning the first few steps were rough. They aren't kidding about running being a mental sport. It is easy to think you can't do it. Then, you take the first steps, a few more, a little faster. You can hear the sound of your feet hitting the pavement, hypnotized by the road under your feet. Before you know it, its left and right and your not falling on your face and your heart isn't pounding outside of your chest. I don't know if it is endorphins or the voice in my head believing in possibilities but today I feel like I can keep moving.

On my myspace I have been posting my fav songs on the playlist for the week. Sometimes a good song can get you moving up those hills.

Week 1 was: Destroyer by the Kinks (click here to see video)

Week 2 went to: from the Reservoir Dogs soundtrack, Hooked on a feeling by Blue Swede

Drum roll please.....this weeks winner is Radar Love by Golden Earring

Don't forget, I am always looking for good suggestions to keep me moving. I have six months of training. Oh, and maybe something that has been produced in the last 20 years. I have been going seriously old school....

Weekend Update

2008-10-08T10:49:00.004-04:00

I can't believe I am already two days behind with the Weekend Update. Just one of those weeks. We had a great weekend. Busy as usual.

This weekend we helped out and celebrated in the nuptuals of Julz and Sam.

It was a beautiful ceremony on the Lake, a wonderful day for love.

It was nice to get all dressed up for the day. Ted and the girls looked great.

Sunday was good. Good food, Good friends, Good Football. Okay, the football could have been better. Packers lost again,

Marcus decided Curious George was the best he was going to get while we curled up on the couches for naps.......

Ted's Alpha Blog

2008-10-06T19:47:00.006-04:00

We'll here it is… my first official Blog Post. Even though I can honestly say I've never aspired to be a "blogger", here it is none the less. Then again, I'm probably giving myself too much credit. I suppose those of you who are seasoned veterans might say one post doesn't make me a "blogger". Kind of like a run to the bathroom during the occasional close call doesn't make me a "runner". I concede the point and reserve myself to the title of "That guy formerly known never to have posted a blog".

Looking ahead, I still don't aspire to be a "blogger"… so I don't recommend holding your breath for my next post. I do; however, aspire to be a runner. (If you know me, you might have passed out after reading that last line… so I'll give you a minute to recover….)

If you're surprised, you absolutely should be! Up until 4 weeks ago I would have said people who run for fun are crazy (or at least younger than 10). Actually, I still think people that run for fun are crazy… I'm doing it to support my wife (Oh, and for improved health benefits I guess).

Seriously though, you've read Angie's post that we are training to run a marathon in March '09. We've only been "officially" training for a couple weeks now… but we're still excited and motivated. We have different overall goals of course: She wants to run a marathon, I just want to run in a marathon. (I plan to quit the second I get tired.)

My real goal is nothing more ambitious than to lose some weight, which I'm sure will have the side affect of improving my overall health as well. I also want to stand at the starting line and not have people point and whisper things like "what's up with the portly fellow over there… did he think this was the line for a buffet?" Angie says her target "body image" would be something like Misty May-Treanor. That would be awesome for her (and of course I would enjoy it as well)… but I don't think that way. My target "body image" is less specific… I just want something between a Greek Fisherman a Greek God.

Anywhere in the middle would be great.

So… as we move forward with our goals, we promise to support each other… motivate each other… and hold each other accountable as well. In the process, we will keep you posted of our progress (or at least Angie will).

Wish us luck… we're going to need it…

Shout Out

2008-10-04T09:44:00.002-04:00

This weeks shout out goes to our friend Brian Hart, the coolest Green Bay Packer fan ever. If you are into Fantasy Football and are looking for some good advice, check out his web site.

The Fantasy Football Show

VOTE

2008-10-03T17:14:00.003-04:00

If you aren't registered click here. Get it done. You don't have any good excuses not to.

Morning Run

2008-10-03T15:45:00.003-04:00

Anyone that knows me, even for a short time, knows that mornings aren't my thing. Getting up is a bit like torture. Maybe it isn't that bad but it doesn't agree with me. Part of my daily training is having to do my workouts in the morning. Early in morning. Before Ted goes to work, early. Did I mention it is early? Do you know what time Ted goes to work? He leaves between 5:30 and 6:30 on a normal day. My workout takes 40 minutes (right now). Yep, I gotta get my tush out of bed an hour before he is going to be leaving. It is a good thing that training is slow and the time of my workouts won't increase for a while. That will change come December, but we are taking baby steps.

Ted has been my absolute source of motivation this week. He is being amazingly flexible. Going to work a few minutes later so I could do my training. He has had coffee brewing when I come in the door. Never once has he complained about the time this goal will take from him or the girls. It is hard to know how I got such an amazing hubby. I am feeling really blessed by our marriage this week.

Ted is also in training but does his workouts in the evenings. We are doing our long workouts on Saturdays, together. It is become a wonderful time of connection for us. Hopefully it will be a continued renewing in our spirits throughout this process.

More tricks then treats

2008-10-03T09:53:00.000-04:00

Fundraising

2008-10-01T11:58:00.003-04:00

It is that time of year. Fundraisers, Fundraisers, Fundraisers. Just wanted to let ya'll know that Madi is doing Girls Scouts this year. It isn't cookie time yet but we are selling some yummy nuts and magazine subscriptions. If you are interested in helping Madi out, leave a comment or email me and I will get with you.

Oh and if you are still looking to get a school coupon book we can sell them until Friday. Only $10. You will save twice that with just the grocery store coupons.

When did becoming a mom mean you also become a salesperson?

Shock and Awe

2008-09-30T09:35:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I was doing my Yoga in the living while Buddy (our dog) and Ellie were playing on the front walk.

When I was done with my exercises I went out to see what they were up to. Seeing the beautiful creation made with purple moon sand all over the sidewalk, I asked her to clean up and put it all back in the container (wishful thinking). Out of no where Ellie says, with absolute shock and awe in her voice, "Oh my Gosh, someone drew on Buddy!"

I look over at my dog sprawled out in the shade under a tree. On his entire left side is a beautiful piece of chalk art, drawn by a three year old.

Weekend Update

2008-09-29T20:05:00.024-04:00

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I can't believe Monday has been here and is almost gone. The girls are already in bed. Time for our Weekend update.

Friday night we hung out with the Farquaads. Fried Mushrooms, Salad and Lasagna on the menu. Don't forget the Truffle Pie that Brittany hooked us up with.

We kicked a little, oh I mean a lot of tush playing Smarty Pants. That's right I am the Smarty Pants Champ.....Don't forget it......

We said our last Good-bye to the Goff's as they finished up packing their things. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they are off to a new adventure in Georgia. Lots of love and blessings to Frank, Kristy and baby Goff.

Saturday was a fun filled day at a Cross Country meet for Madi. We had a great time hanging out playing Frisbee and watching the older runners as we waited our turn. She did another great job. Her mile was 8:31. She is so amazing. I don't think she knows how truly wonderful of a talent that she has. She makes it look effortless and beautiful. We spent the rest of the day just enjoying our time together as family.

While dealing with losses by both Green Bay and San Fransisco on Sunday, we played ladder ball with friends.

Zack and Marcus took notes of Teds form.....

Zoie showed us all up. Ellie and Madi shared something for a moment. McKayli and Abby cheered us all on......

Boys vs Girls. Boys won this round. Don't worry Misty, we will get them back.

This picture is just for Marcus. Never tell the crazy blogger lady with the camera not to post a pic. :) Oh, and check it out Zack is smiling.......

Funny in my Tummy

2008-09-26T13:08:00.010-04:00

Ellie cracks me up. She is a constant source of laughter in our house. If you have never seen her in motion, it is hard to explain how she moves. Her body has a spring in it, seriously. She just bounces all of the time.

This afternoon, she gulped down her juice box. While she is hopping around as her normal self, she hears a jiggle in her tummy. You know the sound when you shake liquid in a bottle. That is what her stomach sounded like. She got an absolute kick out of it and kept bouncing around. More then normal, if that is possible.

I am sure you can imagine the noise of a gurgle and slush and you look at her bouncy pics.

Motivation

2008-09-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

A shout out

2008-09-26T07:26:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to say a WOOHOO!! for Ted's Alma Mater. They won their football game against USC last night. Go Beavs!!

Meal Madness

2008-09-25T18:33:00.005-04:00

After having such a bummer morning because I didn't eat enough and sleep enough yesterday I decided to do things right tonight. I even got a little creative.

I am not much on presentation but it totally rocked for taste. I toasted some organic coconut in hot red pepper oil in a pan. I threw in some green onion, red pepper, orange pepper and yellow pepper. Stirred it around, threw in some shrimp. Gave a few minutes and wa-la, (oh and rice). Took me about 20 minutes with all the cutting.

Yummy, yummy!! The girls even ate it. (without the veggies, of coarse)

Visualization

2008-09-25T13:57:00.004-04:00

The Wii trainer got on my nerves today. I am a bit grumpy. I didn't eat good yesterday and slept even worse. Ted is in Detroit. You think I would learn to take advantage of the empty bed, but it just isn't the same when he isn't there.

I managed to put in 1 1/2hrs on the Wii. I did some step, some boxing and hula. I did the balance games and all the yoga and strength. I didn't beat any of my top scores. Yikes. Just one of those days. I did my best to keep moving through it though. Yeah ME!

I use the female trainer on my Wii. She keeps telling me to visualize the body I want. That made we wonder a bit more about my goals in all of this. I am not in need of being skinny. I want to be strong. I want to be athletic. I really want to be able to keep up with our girls when we hike the Grand Canyon next summer.

So, drum role please: this is my goal. The picture of the body I want. Don't worry, I understand that she is 5" taller then me and is a paid athlete and works out 6 hours a day. I would be happy to get close, even if in my own mind, to this body. Thanks Misty May-Trenor for my picture of inspiration today.

Expectation

2008-09-24T23:13:00.003-04:00

This week we began with a few new steps towards a pretty lofty goal. Ted and I are hoping to run a marathon in March. Now, I realize that March seems very far away. But, it really isn't. Before you know it we will be lining up with a few hundred people to run a race one step at a time.

I hope you don't mind I will be keeping track of our progress on our blog. We are pretty active people but not in great shape. Admittedly we are not getting any younger. We both are overweight and don't currently run. Well, unless we are chasing down Ellie or Madi for some reason.

Luckily we found a nice training program that starts with walking. Taking our lofty goal into bite size pieces. The hardest part is to remember not to get ahead of ourselves. I am so excited that I want to push myself beyond its limits already. One day at a time, I tell myself. I need to honor my body. Not only knowing what I am capable of but understanding that it has limitations that I need to work through. I rested today like the schedule said and feel good. Ready for another good workout tomorrow. So far, no injuries to report. Hopefully we can keep it that way.

So, one day at a time. Our goal: to make it to the starting line.

Determination

2008-09-24T16:06:00.006-04:00

Children have an amazing talent for teaching us about them and about ourselves.

Our daughter Madi has been running Cross Country this year. She loves running. She isn't much of a competitor but loves to be moving and going. We are a couple of weeks in to her first season. They run a mile at each of their races.

Race 1 went great. She had a wonderful time. She ran her mile in 8 minutes 26 seconds.

Race 2 didn't go as planned. On the way there she talked about how she was going to beat her time. She was so excited. As Cross Country running goes, every mile is a different mile. This one would challenge Madi with two good hills to climb in her run. She got a time of 10:11. A good time for most of us but not what Madi wanted to see. This is the first time I saw my little girl cry because she was disappointed in herself. She hadn't let anyone down, except her own expectation. It was heartbreaking. I gave her a big hug and encouraging words coated with the sweetest sugar I could muster.

There are moments in all of our lives when we face disappointment and discouragement. There are days we don't run as well or live as well as we plan. On those days, we define who we are. Madi had set a goal and not accomplished it. What's next?

Our next practice, she was up and gave 100%. Not a complaint, not a mention of the race from two days before. She never once asked me if she could quit. She just kept going.

Race Day 3. A new day. A new race. She ran her mile in 7 minutes 13 seconds. She was leaping for joy after her race. Accomplished. Knowing that each new day, each new race is a new opportunity to prove that she can do it. We are so proud of her hard work. More then that, she has shown me a piece of who she is becoming. Madi is a person of determination. She will fight for the things she wants. She will have days of hardship and tears but she will keep going.

Lord, May I keep learning the lessons that can only be taught by my children.

First Post

2008-09-24T12:38:00.001-04:00

Welcome to our little page. Hopefully you will enjoy what we have to share. Most of the time I will be writing but occasionally you may get a little snippet from Ted. We'll see. There is always hope.

Life has been good to us and we hope to share our joy with you. God Bless.