IRONMAN

A year ago, August 30th 2009, Jake became an IRONMAN.

We traveled to Louisville, KY where he

Swam 2.4 miles

Biked 112 miles

Ran 26.2 miles

For a total distance of 140.6 miles.

Yes, he is CRAZY!! You wouldn't believe how many crazy people were there to participate in the Ironman!

The boys were so excited to cheer for their Daddy. It was hard work though keeping up with these two (2 1/2 and 15 month old) the entire day. Thank goodness I had help with them during this race!


The swim start was so neat to see. I wish I had a better picture. Most of Jake's races have a mass swim start where you all start at the same time or go with your age group. This swim start was a time trial. So there were about three seconds between every 2 people. It was fun to watch the long line of swimmers jumping and dancing to the music happy to start such a hard/exciting day. I have to say I felt less nervous with this type of swim start versus the everyone on top of everyone swimming in dark water.

Waiting for Jake in Lagrange, KY at mile 60 of the bike portion

Go Jake Go!

DONE!!

The IRONMAN!!

He's always been an Ironman to me, but now he has an official title.

We are proud of you Jake! But, NO rush signing up for the next one, please!!!!

Being a spectator is hard work in it self. My friend Janice decided we needed to get t-shirts made that said:

I walked a mile to watch a 2.4 mile swim

Drove 50 miles to see the 112 mile bike race
Napped

Walked 10 more miles to watch a 26.2 mile run

or this one..

I walked a marathon to watch an Ironman

Both so true! Traininig to be a spectator is a good idea!

Ironman and Louisville

More pictures from our time in Louisville, KY for the Ironman race August 2009.

A walk along the Ohio River on our first night.

Jake swam under these bridges during the race.


We loved seeing all the different horses around town.

Louisville was so nice. We stayed downtown at the Galt House right off of 4th street. Here are Spen and Janice playing in a park area that we enjoyed each day we were there.

Sweet boys!

These crack me up. We really tried to get a family pic. There were more tries than just these two! But, as you can see it didn't happen! Notice Spen under the horses head on the first picture and then no one would sit still.

Betsy treated Spencer (and all of us) to a horse and buggy ride.
Spen with Aunt Betsy

He loved it!

Race Day!
Yay! We just saw Jake get on his bike. Just 138.2 miles to go!!

Opa and Campbell headed to our next spot to watch for Jake.
In Lagrange, KY (east of Louisville) to see Jake on his bike. Campbell with Betsy, Steph and Janice.

Spencer sporting his swim*bike*run shirt.

Campbell and Aunt Betsy

The boys found a little shade and a few sticks to play with to keep them busy for a second or two!

Back to Louisville waiting for Jake to cross the finish line. Spen took a little moment out to cross his legs, cover up and read his book. In that moment oblivious to the millions of people and noise around him.

WOO HOO in under 13 hours Daddy's done. Campbell was screaming (literally) for Bed time!!

Thanks to all of Jake's cheerleaders: Oma, Opa, Janice, Betsy, Stephanie and Byron. You were all so sweet to come and support Jake, the boys and me! You helped make it easier and so much fun!

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Ain't no Valley low enough

To keep me from getting to you
If you need me call me *No matter where you are *No matter how far
I'll be there in a hurry

That's exactly what my parents did. I called and there was NO talking them out of coming to me. In just over 24 hours they were here. Blessed. I am!

I was really hoping my parents trip to CO this summer would be filled with site seeing and adventure going. But, life happens and circumstances change. I'm grateful that my parents wouldn't be anywhere else than with me when I need them. No matter where we are there are still "adventures" being had and memories being made. The boys had a blast playing (bossing) their Bevie and Papa around! For sure having grandparents visit is a grand adventure for them.

Thank you Papa for coming to give me a hug, for being Spencer's brick layer, Campbell's slam dunk helper and playing monster, cars, race, tumbling tower, I could go on and on. They were in heaven. And thank you for the 3 dozen donuts!!!

I just love these two pictures.

Bevie thank you thank you! You worked yourself silly taking care of us all. Jake and I need to go on a diet after all the yummy food you cooked!
Thank you for being here for me phyically and emotionally. My Mama is exactly what I needed.

Campbell and Bevie

Amazing what a grandkid can get hiss grandmother to do. Bevie under the table playing!

Morning love.

Spencer making sure Bevie was getting enough food before her ride home.


The miracle tower that somehow didn't get destroyed for several days!

Wordy Wednesday

Me: Spencer I may not be feeling well tomorrow so please help Bevie out. You may need to help get things out for lunch. I know you will love being a good helper.

(spencer knows Bevie loves to have her waffle in the morning)

Spencer: "Yeah, because she probably only knows where the waffles are!"



Building bricks with Papa. Spencer kept knocking down Papa's big buildings.

Papa: Okay Spencer I'm gonna be the project manager.

Spencer: "Papa, I don't need a project manager, I need a brick layer!"

The child is going to be a great boss. That is if he can stand being an employee long enough to make it to boss!



After picking up Opa from the airport. (only about 25 min away)

Spencer dragging his feet, being floppy like and with a whine in his voice: "Mama next time Opa comes can't he just get a rental car. That drive is just too long and makes me so tired. We get a rental car at lots of airports can't he get one too?"

My Babies

For my children.

All of them.

I want you to know that the deepest love for you began the instant I knew you are growing in my belly. I am grateful to God for allowing us to feel so much. Even pain. Without knowing pain, happiness, joy and love wouldn't mean as much.

The moment I found out I was pregnant I loved you. Took care of you. Dreamed of you. Had plans for you. Couldn't wait to name you and hold you.

On June 26th 2010 I fell in love with my third baby.

We were giddy and laughing at the news just as we were with your brothers.

July 15th we saw your tiny heart beat.

July 26th we learned that you wouldn't join us here on earth.

My heart broke.

Yes, I was only 8 weeks along. And yes, I know miscarriages are common. But, that doesn't make you less than. It doesn't mean you weren't loved. It doesn't mean you weren't my baby!

You are my baby and will always be my third baby. The baby that I hoped would complete this family. We already loved YOU and wanted YOU.

People love to say "when this happens it usually is for the best/things happen for a reason." I know they don't mean any harm and I know in my head that sounds good and is very likely true. But for my heart, no it's NOT the best. I should be holding my baby on March 6, 2011. I have learned to never say that to a hurting Mama, as if to brush away the situation making it feel insignificant.

I do trust in His plan. I must to find peace in the sadness. If there was a reason why my baby had to die there has to also be a reason that sweet bean was created and had a beating heart for 7 weeks.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

I couldn't sleep at night knowing you didn't get named. Healing was much easier once your Daddy and I named you. Lael means belonging to God. And that you do. We love you, Lael. I have Hope that there is a special place in Heaven for my baby bean Lael. One day my dreams of holding you and knowing you will come true.

My song for you, Lael, as I said goodbye..

Be near me Lord Jesus I ask you to stay. Close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all he dear children in they tender care and fit us for Heaven to live with the there.

SPENCER, I want you to know how special and sweet you were to me the day we got the bad news. Your little ears hear it ALL so you had known for a while that there was a baby in my belly.

Me: Spencer, the baby may be sick. Not all babies get to be born like you and Campbell.

Spencer: "Oh mama, I am so sorry. Will the baby die"

Me: "The baby did die. But, it's okay. The baby will get to live in Heaven."

Spencer: "Mama I loved that baby. I'm gonna ask God to send us another one."

Spencer: "Can I kiss you on the lips and can I still kiss your belly?"

Several days later you were blowing bubbles outside.

Spencer: "Mama I'm blowing bubbles to God. I'm sending them up to the baby."

Me: That is so sweet. I know the baby will love that.

Spencer: "I'm sending love to God and sending love to the baby. And you know what? They are sending the love back to us. "

Campbell on that sad day you provided me with laughter. I had on a shirt with black sequins and you kept pointing and asking "What's that What's that?"I told you what they were and your replied ....

Campbell: "keyquins? I NOT like it!"

My babies, I love you all as high as the sky, as deep as the ocean and forever and ever Amen!