Israel - Day #2

Today we visited Acco - a port on the Mediterranean Sea, Mt. Carmel and Ceasarea. This is a picture from the top of Mount Carmel. It was absolutely beautiful and you could see for miles. The picture is taken facing the west with the Mediterranean in the distance. While we were up there, Ed read from I Kings 18 - story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. This is where Elijah calls down fire from heaven after the prophets of Baal are unable to call fire down from their god. The prophets danced and cut themselves in an effort to get Baal's attention, but nothing happened. We were reminded of how the God of heaven is always there for us, listening for our voice. He's never too busy or out of reach. Elijah called out to God with a quiet confidence, knowing that God would answer him. It was a great time of reflection.

We also visited Ceasarea - a city that Herod created for himself on the coast of the Mediterranean. It's no wonder he picked this location! It is like a tropical resort. The remains of his palace sit right on the waters edge. Ceasarea is also where Paul was imprisoned.

If you would like to see the pictures we have taken so far, you can go to HERE.

Israel - Day #1

I am overwhelmed, but in a good way! Today was awesome and full of great sites. We started the day at the Mount of Beatitudes. That's the Mt. behind me where you see the line of trees on the ridge. The picture was taken as we were traveling along the coast of the Sea of Galilee in a boat similar to what the fishermen in Jesus' day would have used. My favorite part of the day was our visit to Capernaum. Capernaum is where Jesus lived for a while, ministered and healed people toward the beginning of his ministry. It was a great time of reflecting and experiencing a city where Jesus actually lived. We stood in the synagogue where he preached to the people and saw the remains of the house of Peter's mother-in-law. What a day! There is so much more I could say, but I am too tired and I'm off to bed. Tomorrow I will post a link - if you would like to see the pictures we have taken so far. Until tomorrow - Shalom!

Off To Israel

Hi Everybody! I'm off to Israel! I can't believe the trip is finally here. You know I'm a terrible blogger, but I have promised to blog at least a couple of times while I am there. So.... check my blog in a couple of days and see what we're up to in the "Holy Land".

THE FINISH LINE

We made it!! There's nothing better than making it across the finish line!! I wish I could say the triathalon was easy or not as hard as I thought it would be, but that would be a lie. It was definitely the hardest physical "thing" I've ever done, second only to labor. Kristy did a great job of journaling our experience on her blog - visit her site for all of the details. It's strange how proud I feel of myself - that I actually said I'd do it, actually trained for it and then actually finished it without dying!!! I'm not sure I've ever felt this kind of overwhelming sense of accomplishment before - it's weird and wonderful - all at the same time. All this being said, I couldn't have done it without Kristy. She "carried" me through the run - verbally. She was constantly talking us through it, encouraging me to go a little further, telling me I could make it and helping me hold on until the end. So I have to agree with her when I say it was a great day and great accomplishment, but it was made so much sweeter by sharing it all with a friend.

And just so you know... transition went great - my pants stayed in place the whole time!!!

Check out our race pictures at Opix photography - just search by our names.

What is WRONG with me???

I am some kind of freak show right now! In the last 10 minutes I have been in and out of several work out clothes - trying to find something to wear for the triathalon on Sunday. Right now I'm sitting at the computer in my wetsuit - trying to decide if it is comfortable and if I can actually move my arms in it to actually swim. I've tried taking it off as fast as possible in hopes that my pants won't actually come off at the same time - which is a huge possibility!! I've also tried to explain to Jim that "cellulitiness" is actually a word as I show him several outfits that do not help my "cellulitiness". What is WRONG with me and why did I ever think that a triathalon was a GREAT idea!?!?!?!?!

First Day of Third Grade

Here he is, ready for the first day of school! Caleb started Literacy First Charter School today - which we have been on the waiting list for two years now. So, needless to say we were very excited when we got a call last week that Caleb was in. Caleb wasn't quite as excited as we were, but by the time we finished school shopping and visiting his class, God had done a mighty work and Caleb was actually saying he was "excited" to start school.

Last night, he decided that a warm bath or shower would be a good plan in the morning before school to help him "relax". Where do they get this stuff!!! So, the morning went flawlessly. After a warm bath and a waffle he was ready for school.

I will update you later on how his first day at a new school went.

We Got Nothin

This is what happens when two women stand around on a Saturday afternoon and say, "We got nothin". Meaning - we've got nothing to do!!! Kristy came over on Saturday with her kids to swim and hang out - Jim and Bret were both out of town. When we finished swimming, we came in the house and didn't know what to do with ourselves. So.... as we stood in my kitchen I said, "I want to cut that pine tree down". Next thing I know, Kristy and I are outside sawing down the pine tree that was starting to take over my driveway. Moral to the story... women standing around with nothing to do - really isn't true - we always have something to do!!!! Kristy and I laughed and laughed about whether or not Jim would notice we cut the tree down - pretty hard to miss the two trash cans overflowing with pine tree!