The Man who doesn't "LIKE" babies

When London was first born, my brother in law - John told me that he isn't a baby person. He said likes them when they are around two years old. Hmmm I think London made him a liar. Ever since she was about 9 months he has been quite smitten with her - holding her, playing with her etc.

Tonight John and Shanna babysat for us, so we could have a night out. When we came back to the house this is what we found. Someone fell asleep cuddled up with her Uncle John.

Thanks Shanna and John for watching London - for spoiling her (McDonalds, looking at Christmas lights and the babies and coloring book.

Poor Turkey

Her father taught her this for Thanksgiving. Too funny - it never gets old.

It's Snowing

It is 11:45 PM - I should be in bed - but it is snowing

Our second snow of the season

I am still waiting for my Indian Summer

A Promise Kept

It's 5:50 AM and the alarms goes off - it is 25 degrees outside - today is the day - finally it is here. Russ would complete his journey and a promise to Konley. He had promised Konley that he would run this 1/2 marathon until a cure for his cancer was found. Today he was running for those who couldn't "The Children of St. Jude". A total of 2.5 million dollars was raise for St. Jude. Wow - what impact this will make in other children's lives and their families.

Below is a map of the course he ran. He honestly enjoyed this run. When you loose someone you love, one of the fears you have is forgetting them/the memories. The run through Memphis took him past many areas and activities he had done with Konley over the years during their time in Memphis - Peabody Hotel, Beale Street, Fire House Museum, Mud Island, Zoo, Marriott Hotel, Target House and through the campus of St. Jude. The highlight for Russ was the finish line - you ended in Autozone Park - which the is the home of the Memphis Redbirds baseball team. Konley loved going to the ball games and being able to run out on the field as you finished - seemed to complete it all.

Participant #9180

Getting ready for the race

The tag on his shoe identified him - when he crossed the starting line it started calculating your time until you crossed the finish line.

Since it was freezing cold outside - we did not go to the starting line with Russ. We caught him at mile marker 4 which was about a block from the hotel. This actually worked out really well for us. London waiting for her daddy. When the front runners came by with a police escort she had to wave to officers and them hi. She kept asking "where's da dad?" and then would say "go, go, go" moving her arm back and forth as a cheerleader. One runner promised me that my husband was coming and he would be there shortly :)

After waiting and watching - there he was - my man in action!

After a quick kiss to his 2 lovely ladies he was off again

At the different mile markers they had entertainment. This band was just down the street from us. They were very very good. I thought it was a high school marching band and when we walked down to see them, this is what I found. How could they make so much noise and be such a small group from a local church. There were different bands, belly dancers and other types of people cheering the runners on.

Everyone who finished received a metal

To all those wondering (me included) - Russ finished #3,100 out of 8,000. Whoot whew!

I am so glad Russ took this challenge and completed his goal. I am so very proud of him in many different ways. Words cannot not express all the emotions and closure that has happened this weekend. We have defiantly learned that we are not alone and it is okay to move forward in life. We plan on being back next year to continue to fight against childhood cancers.

A HUGH thank you to all of you who have supported us in prayer, words of encouragement and financially donated to St. Jude. You all were part of this weekend and I hope you feel some of the HOPE and encouragement you have given to others - you are making a difference.

a few fun hotel pictures

Oh - not another picture - I've got a headache

Marathon Weekend

This weekend is Memphis Marathon weekend. Saturday they will have 16,000 people participating. 3,000 in the full marathon, 8,000 in the half-marathon, and the remainder in the 5K Grizzle run/walk. This is all part of helping raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Friday night we participated in a Pasta dinner at the Peabody Hotel. This is a wonderful old hotel, probably most famous for the ducks. They have a fountain in the lobby and every day there is a little ceremony and red carpet rolled out and the ducks come marching down and swim in the fountain. I only hope someday to stay here. This dinner was for St Jude Heroes - for those who raised a $1,000 or more. They had a program afterwards with some awards. The food was great and they had several types of pasta and other tasty side dishes.

I think daddy got carried away with loading London up on pasta, you would think that she was going to run the race tomorrow.

I don't think I have every seen a tree so tall - they had two - one at each end of the lobby that went from floor to ceiling. I found a few decorations to take home with me - do you think anyone would miss them? The Christmas decorations were beautiful. This evening they had children singing Christmas carols.

The Peabody baking staff were on the Food Network and were in a contest for gingerbread. This what they made and they won first prize! It smelled so good - you just wanted to cross over the fence and sneak a bite.

After spending a little time downtown - we went back to the hotel - an early morning awaited us.

First Christmas Program

This evening London had her first Christmas Program at her daycare. I was trying to get some pictures of her all dressed up - this is what I ended up with after about 20 shots - cute little smile on her face, so happy and full of joy for the evening. She knew her song and all the motions - mommy was just hoping that she wouldn't "freak out" once she realized she was in front of some many people.

Here are two videos for all the grandparents, family and friends who could not be there.

Little bell, little bell

If I ask you will you tell?

Why you always seem to chime

When it's close to Christmas time.

This was sung to "This Old Man". I just had to laugh - she knew the song, well most of it and could hum the tune. She has been going around the house singing this song over and over and over, yet during the performance, she never said a word. I think she was trying to take it all in and figure what was going on.

What can I give Jesus as small as I am?

The shepherds gave him a baby lamb

The wiseman gave him previous gold

The angels sang of his glory untold

Mary and Joseph gave him their loving care

What can I give him?

My heart to share

How cute is this video? I was so proud of her. She did so good. She was the only one in her class that knew all the motions her teachers told me. The older kids did some more songs. They were done in 25 minutes and it was time for cookies. Perfect! Thanks to all the teachers for taking time to put the program together and working with the children. To all the kids - they did a fantastic job!