Recovery

I am day 11 post-op, and hopefully each day will bring less pain. Seriously, I had prepared myself for the worst, or so I thought. I don't think there is anyway I could have prepared myself for the horrific pain of having your leg broken by the Dr. so he could fix it. It stinks!!!!!! I thought the pain of childbirth was terrible.....nothing compared to this!


My mom has been helping out and will continue as long as my leg is immobilized and I am on crutches--which will probably be January. I can't imagine the money we would be spending if Mom wasn't able to be here. One of my sweetest, dearest friends has also made a big contribution. Nancy coordinated meals to be brought to us each evening for almost 2 weeks. What a blessing! I better watch out or Jason's gonna hope I'm down more often so he gets lots of home cooked meals. ;)

We are all adjusting to the circumstances and hoping the recovery is swift. Especially my sweet little Tucker. He definitely realizes something is going on, but seems to be doing okay. His sleep pattern has been messed up a little, but that's all.

I'm looking forward to a relaxing Christmas season and wishing the same for everyone!

Processing......

I'm still processing the fact that I will have a major knee surgery and be totally dependant on others for a few months. To be quit honest, it really sucks!!! But....I've had my pity party and I'm moving forward.

In the midst of my pity party, I wasn't sure this was really what the Lord wanted me to do right now. So I said, "God, let me know this surgery is your plan." I was so unsure. Well, he let me know. Since I prayed that prayer, my knee has bothered me more on a daily basis than it ever has, and I haven't even exercised in days. Well, I'm certain I have my answer. But I still have questions.

I know the Lord is using and will use this time to bring me closer to him. Cause he knows I'll be all laid up with nothing to do but draw closer to him and seek his will for myself and my family. You see, things just aren't that great right now. I feel so disconnected from my husband and I know he feels the same about me. I know things will be okay, because I have faith in God's awesome plan for us. I love my husband of course he loves me, but sometimes we let the craziness of life get in the way and we start being so self centered. ( Now, those of you that read this....just chill... this is a season and the Lord is in it, so don't be letting your crazy minds run away with you. My marriage is okay). I'll probably regret the afore mentioned concern, but this is my blog and I want to be real. I don't want to give the impression that life is always just peachy. Cause we all know it isn't!

I also wonder what the Lord is doing in this ol head and heart of mine when it comes to my self image. What a life long issue this is and continues to be. For the first time in my life I've gotten my weight under control and I'm feeling great about myself, and BAM no more running for a year, and no exercise for at least 3 months! WHAT????? While I know he wants me to take care of myself, I just don't get it......or do I? When I first started this running thing I felt so close in my walk with him, but as time went on I was relying on myself and not giving God the credit for my success.

My prayer is that I will grow in Christ during this season of my life.

I'll leave you with these........

Bad Blogger, Busy Mom

Well, what can I say? I have logged on several times to add something, but it seems that I always get called away!! Wonder who keeps doing that? Tucker in his Halloween pjs "talking" on the phone.

Brooks and Cole. Not only is Cole our neighbor, but he and Brooks are in the same class. This was from their 2nd grade music program.

Just look at the big ol grin!! Sam was so proud he got a medal for 3rd place in his age group at the Broadmoor Fun Run.

Jay and Tucker were troopers. They hung around and supported all the runners. Don't they look excited?

This has to be the worst picture of me ever!!!

This was after running the 10K and setting a new PR!!!

You got your tickets?

Today as we sit in church. I am sitting between Brooks and Sam, and Jason is in the cry room with Tucker because he just doesn't ever sit still. Sam for that matter doesn't either, he's just to old for the cry room. Brooks and Sam both complained about having to go to church this morning because they wanted to go fishing. (For some reason, I just can't figure out who they get that from. Certainly not Jason!) Not at my house, Church is always the priority.

Anyway, so obviously the boys were very attentive in church. Brooks stayed pretty quiet, but Sam asked every 5 seconds, "Mom, how much longer?" Then of course he will not be still. Then finally he gets quiet. Score for me, now I can actually pay attention to Father and not my wild child. Unfortunately this didn't last too long, cause usually when Sam gets still and quiet he's up to something.

I'm listening to the Father's homily trying to soak up as much as I can cause lately I feel as if I'm just going through the motions. Sam turns to me with those bright eyes of his and he's just a grinnin', so tickled about something. So tickled he can hardly speak, but he manages to get it out. He whispers, "Mama, did you get the tickets?" I look at him and say "huh?" He repeats himself, still just a gigglin' and grinnin'. "Mama, did you get the tickets?" Finally, I say "What tickets?". At this point he is so tickled I almost can't understand him, but he manages to get it out. He says,"The tickets to the gun show!" as he flexes his muscle and points at it!!

I almost couldn't compose myself after that, and really didn't get much out of Mass today, but at least I stuck to my "guns" and made it to Church as a family.

Belly Buttons, Fishing, and Sillyness....

Mr. Tucker has discovered his belly button, and his brother's too, as you

will see further down in this post.

Jason has been taking Brooks tournament fishing with Team Trails and

they recently took 2nd place. This is Brooks getting the check for winning.

Tucker has figured out how to get into the Bumbo all by himself. He's so proud. I know he is to big for the stinking thing, but he likes it.


Sam is such a WILD MAN!!!
Brooks is too cool in his shades!!
Tucker can't keep his hands off Sam's belly button!!

Good Times with Great Friends.

We had a wonderful time on our little getaway to Destin!

Baseball

Just have to share with all 2 or 3 of you that actually read this thing that Brooks' 7 & 8 year old baseball team won the league championship. Our Head Coach, Jay Carter, is such a great coach and role model for these boys.

Thanks, Jay!

And I can't say enough about how much it means to me for my Jay to be out there coaching too.

I must say is really good with these little guys too, and

it means the world to Brooks!

All of my pics looked terrible, and then I couldn't get but one of them to load. So this is all I've got for now.

Also, Brooks doesn't know it yet, but he is on the All-Star team.

We are so proud of him!

Rain, Rain Go Away....

Well the rain may not be gone, but it did go away long enough this evening for some sunshine and a backyard baseball game. The big boys weren't still long enough for me to get any pictures, and well, the baby wasn't still either.Tucker getting away.

The island in our backyard serves as the infield for our neighborhood baseball games.

Jay doing a mighty fine job at centerfield ;)

And Tucker enjoying the wet grass.

Clapping for the big boys.

What can I say, we love to clap!

Sweet Dimples!

One

Sweet Baby Blues

These are just a few of my favorite pictures from Tucker's 1 year photo shoot.

You can contact the photographer at

www.maggieingramphotography.blogspot.com

Tucker Helms Rice

Tucker Helms Rice

May 7, 2008

7lbs. 8oz.
May 2009
What a difference a year makes!
Happy Birthday!

Who's the Man?

JayBird of course!!!

Today Jason and PJ fished the annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Bass Tournament on the Rez. They finished 5th! I'm so proud of them. Especially, Jay! I always give him a hard time about not winning in all the tournaments he enters. He wins more than I give him credit for, and today was such an accomplishment for him! He has fished the Rez countless times in the past 4 years. The "veteran" Rez fisherman are tough and today he stood with them!

Blessed Be the Name.....

Saturday, when I stepped across the finish line there was such a rush of emotion. I couldn't believe I had done it. But then, I wanted to know where Molly was, since we had separated at mile 7. For me, the race was pretty easy up until that point. The crowds are amazing and the live music is a lot of fun. But, when we got separated. I thought, I can't do this by myself!!! I kept running and came to a church where they were singing...."Blessed be the name of the Lord!" When I heard that my eyes filled with tears, (as they are now). I knew then I could do this even if Molly and I weren't together.

I kept going and by mile 9 I could feel the heat starting to effect me. Sometime after mile 10 I had to start walking, but knew I had to finish this thing running! I walked about a mile or so trying to start back running a few times, but couldn't. Then I got to mile 12. The crowd picked up and so did their cheers. I began running and the closer I got the further away the finish line seemed. I was looking for Jay and Matthew and didn't find them. My memory seems so blurry. I finished, OH MY GOSH...I FINISHED!!

Where's Molly? I made my way throught the crowd and waited. She made it!!!

The heat took it's toll on both of us, but we had an amazing time!
Will I do this again? Can't wait!!! Sounds crazy, but I can't find the words to express what an expierence this was, both physhically and spiritually!

Unbelievable!

I just wanted to post a few pictures from the Half Marathon. Its still "soaking" in, and when I can put into words just exactly what an experience this was I will share with you all! All I can say at this point is that it was truely unbelievable. We both finished, but at different times. We got separated at about mile 7. My official time was 2:45 and Molly's was 3:01. Jason didn't get too many pictures due to the crowd. I will have more later from Molly. Above and below are from the begining around miles 1 and 3.

WE DID IT!!!!
We had all the best intentions to really celebrate, but as you can imagine we were so tired. We did manage to eat dinner and have a few drinks. Then off to bed it was!
I even had a few pics of me and Jason, but accidently deleted them.

And we're off!

I can't believe it is finally here. The half marathon is Saturday. We will leave for Nashville in the morning. Jason will be "driving the two Ms. Daisys". Matthew will be joining us later with his sister.

Here's a pic of Molly and I. Molly, you're a trooper, and I just love you!

We've been blessed with lots of support from our husbands. Matthew has given us lots of running tips, and well, Jason has had to rearrange his fishing schedule. Which is monumental;) Mann and Mandy Conrad, I think they call themselves Team Conrad, have also been very helpful. Last, and certainly not least, Ms. Becky, or should I say Coach! Becky is a "retired runner", and not by her choice. I guess you could say the artificial knee is a bit of a handicapp. If you ask me, she's a pro at this. Here we are with the Ultra Marathon runner! Love you, Becky!

Handsome Fellas

Easter Sunday
Can you tell this is the 3rd child? Jay is still asleep...AND this is one of only two pics of Tuck with his Easter basket.

It's all on the pavement.

Today, I saw a sweet, sweet friend I hadn't seen in a good while. Actually, I hadn't seen her since loosing 23 of a total 33lbs. When she saw me, her question was "Where's the rest of you?" I responded, "Its all on the pavement somewhere." (Thanks, Jenny!!)

That was a VERY small part of my day today considering the 10 mile run and two baseball games, but it has stuck with me. Not because it meant the world to me that someone else noticed my weightloss (fyi....it never gets old to hear it!!). It stuck with me because, not only have I "left" excess weight on the pavement, but I've left all those damaging thoughts about myself. Now, don't be mistaken here, those thoughts do try to creep up on me. They just don't stay around to long.

I'm not perfect, and frankly there is nothing about me or my life that is perfect and guess what????? THAT'S OKAY!!! I know the Lord never meant for me to be perfect. He calls me to be holy. Now running hasn't made me any more holy. Wanna know what it has given me? It's given mounds of time to think. Yes, I've solved the world's problems (JK:). Seriously, I have had the opprotunity to examine myself, my thoughts, my motives, and many, many other things. All that thinking has cleared my mind, allowing me to focus on what the Lord wants for me....and that is being holy.

Molly, its no accident that we met. It was all part of His plan!!!!

Oh, did I forget to mention, all this running makes my legs REALLY, REALLY, REALLY sore!

Moment of Grace

From Max Lucado's "Traveling Light"



"Oh, how God wants you to hear his music. It will race your heart and...stir your tears. You want to journey to the stars? He can take you there. You want to lie down in peace? His music can soothe your soul.

But first, he's got to get rid of all the other stuff. And so he begins tossing the CDs. A friend turns away. The job goes bad. Your spouse doesn't understand. The church is dull. One by one he removes the options until all you have left is God.

He would do that? Absolutely. If he must silence every voice, he will. He wants you to hear his music."

First 5K

Well, today I ran my very first 5K. That is, 3.2 miles for those of you that don't know. (I didn't know that until Mr. Matthew Kirk told me this morning. ) Molly, my running partner, and I figured this would be a great way to get the feel of a race before the Half Marathon in April. I don't think either of us were too surprised with anything. Except we can't let the crowd make us go to fast.

Speaking of the crowd...too bad we didn't have our cameras. I've never seen so many green knee high socks and crazy tights. Did I mention it was the Hal and Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade 5K?

I finished just over 31 minutes. I usually do it in 33 minutes. So, I am pleased that I beat my own time.

I must say I really enjoyed myself!!

Irish Princess

I may not be Irish, and I'm no princess. But I do get to celebrate my birthday on St. Patrick's Day every single year!!

This year was the BIG 3-0! I kinda snicker everytime I say that ;) Anywho....I have some really great friends,and they think I'm great too. ( Maybe an exaggeration, but I like the way it sounds). They, with the help of Jay, surprised me with dinner at Tico's. What a great surprise. I had no idea these guys were in on it.

Since the "photographer's" camera died at dinner, the only pic I have to share is my crown!! Well, actually, there are some pics, but I don't think a picture of the "unders" I got would be appropriate. Well, I feel the Lord "nudging" me. I think I've said enough!!

A great big THANK YOU to Kim, Fraiser, Nancy, and T!!! Love you guys!!!

Can't believe I've never been a beach person.....But, I am now!!

I took these pictures Sunday evening right after we got into Destin. It was a beautiful evening!

Seriously, I have never been a beach person. I was sad to leave it all behind today. Can't wait to go back this summer!!

Victory

Today's "Moment of Grace"from Max Lucado............
A bit of a sidebar: I have recenlty come in contact with someone who has fallen from grace and now claims to be an Atheist. I pray for you often....This made me think of you.

This is the victory that conquers the world--our faith. 1 John 5:4

"What is unique about the kingdom of God is that you are assured of victory. You have won! You are assured that you will someday stand before the face of God and see the King of Kings....that someday you will enter a world where there will be no more pain, no more tears, no more sorrow....
If you have no faith in the life that is beyond this life, then your present life is going to be powerless. But if you believe in the future and are assured of victory, then there should be a dance in your step and a smile on your face."


This also makes me think of my present journey--running. Running is something I never thought I could do. But I feel that the Lord is using this to teach me something about believing in myself and trusting that HE'S got it all under control....All I have to do is have FAITH!

"Romance"

Dates are few an far between for Jay and I, but we actually got to go on one for Valentine's. The only time we go to NICE places is of course with out the kiddos, but probably because we are too cheap, or broke, but we have no shame when it comes to using our gift cards to eat out. We ate at AJ's and the food was fabulous!

It was a very typical night out for us......Sitting at the table ,
I'm having a nice drink, talking to Jay, as he nodds in agreement to my conversation trying to be inerested. All the while not really making eye contact with me.....WHY? Because we were just close enough to the bar and the BIG SCREEN with a basketball game on! Oh sweet romance!! I couldn't help but laugh.

I'm not complaining, although I have been known to do so. He's so good to me!! He's a great father and husband! He has to be to put up with me!

I love YOU, JAY!

9 months

Well, I can't believe that our little guy is already 9 months old! His check-up was today. He is weighing in at 21lbs 15oz and is 28.5 inches long. Although it appears he is gonna be a late crawler, just as he was with rolling over and sitting up, he is a very healthy little man. I suppose I really don't mind not having to keep up with him yet. Holding my sweet baby boy is just fine with me!