68 years

Today I got out of the house to go running with Ainsley in the jogger. It is definitely easier to run without that thing. I did fairly well, though I must say I like running with Josh much better. On my way home I stopped to speak with a neighbor on my street whose husband recently passed away. It encouraged me so much and reminded me of God's blessings in my life. As I spoke with this lady you could definitely see her grief, but she kept repeating that she and her husband had a wonderful life together. She shared with me a time that she could remember being her maddest at him, but then also shared some great memories. My conversation with her prompted me to think to not take any days for granted and to be thankful for the time God gives you with those that you love. She and her husband had been married for 68 years. I often think what will Josh and I be like in 10 years, but 68 whoa. I hope however at the end I can be like my neighbor and say that Josh and I had a happy, blessed life. When I think back over all the memories I have of Josh and I together the good definitely out weigh the bad. I am definitely looking forward to the next 63 years with my best friend.

FOODE

I think most everyone that knows Josh and I know we try to eat pretty healthy. I have my certain food restrictions and those are unfortunately impressed upon Josh too. After watching a certain documentary about how food production is managed in our country and after visiting several holistic doctors who said the same things Burke manor has officially switched for the most part to free range, organic food. The only thing we have yet to do is join a co-op which we may do in the future. We realize for the most part this is how we choose to eat at home and when we go to restaurants we understand these choices are not usually available. Unless you choose to eat at FOODE in downtown Fredericksburg. It is a new restaurant and it is delicious. All free range, organic options and the food is wonderful. The prices are very reasonable as well. Today Josh and I ate lunch there and last week Jonathan and my mother in law ate there. I had heard nothing but good things and I had to experience for myself. I had the half winter salad and half cup of chili. It was wonderful. Josh had the chicken Quesadilla and he said it was good as well. We finished it off with an organic chocolate pudding with bananas and fresh made whip topping, delicious. Also Pastor Bill will appreciate that when you order coffee they bring your very own French Press to your table!! Total for Josh, Jody and myself to eat and have dessert and coffee was $45. They are not open on Monday's, but I hope you all will venture out and try for yourself Tuesday - Sunday.

Run, Run, Run

Well today unfortunately was my 1st day of training. I was hoping to get started sooner, however after delivering Ainsley I came to realize that none of my shoes fit me. I seriously only have 1-2 pair that still fit. So I had to buy new running shoes. The Burke's have also purchased a jogging stroller and I was fairly pleased with it. We got the Instep Grand Safari and I was pleased with it thus far. My running shoes were great, but they did not help me in the speed or endurance area:). I have plotted out a 1.2 mile area to run and today I ran roughly half of it. It was not pretty, but Josh took one for the team and ran with me, he actually ran ahead of me which in turn helped me because I felt as though I needed to keep up. Ainsley was in tow and she enjoyed her in stroller speaker which allowed her to listen to Death Cab for Cutie, at least I think that was the selection for today. Josh was pushing the stroller, I would have been listening to something too pop culture for Josh. So for day one of training it was not terrible, but the training must continue.

1,2,3,4 where did they go??

Well it is no lie when someone tells you to love, cuddle and spend time with your kids because time flies. Months 1-4 have felt like a blink. I am somewhat panicked because to be honest I am relying on my self too much. I am constantly in fear of being a horrible parent. I think last night I had a eureka moment or maybe it was a swift kick in the tail from the Holy Spirit. No matter what I am going to fail, people fail each other. Being willing to acknowledge your failures, make efforts to change them and move on I suppose is vital. I am honestly thankful and grateful for the gift God has given me through Ainsley. She causes me to truly reflect and want to be better, not just a better mommy but wife, daughter, friend and so on. It really is true that your kids show you things you might not have been willing to see before. I pray I don't waste four months or four years unwilling to reflect and therefore unwilling to change. I pray for God's grace and mercy and ultimately for time to SLOW down...

Burke 2011 Race Schedule

1. Irish Sprint 1mile (Josh and Jadey)
2. Rumpass in the Bumpass Tri International (Josh)
3. Colonial Beach Tri Sprint (Josh)
4. Heritage Festival 5 mile (Josh and Jadey)
5. Sandman Tri Sprint ?? (Josh)
6. Turkey Trot 10k or Turkey Trot 5k (Josh and Jadey)

There it is folks!!! Let the training begin...

What a difference a year makes!

Move it, Move it....

This year in 2011 there are going to be a lot of firsts for myself (Jadey). Obviously I am a new mom and that is going to bring a lot of firsts. However 2011 is going to be the year of "moving". No, Josh and I are not moving away. This year I have decided to become more active and mobile. Therefore I am going to attempt to run two races this year. I am not planning on doing any crazy Triathlons I will leave those to Josh. I do however plan on running a 1 mile race in March and either the July 4th 5 miler or the Turkey Trot in November. I am setting my goals low it is true, however if I accomplish them they will be big for me. When I was diagnosed with MS in 2008 I had no way of knowing what was to come. MS takes movement away from people that is pretty much all I know for sure. I am not sure what is in store in the future for me with my health. However, right now I can move so I don't want to take that for granted. Therefore my goal for 2011 is two races and to at least finish them.. Josh and I are also taking up Fly Fishing. I love to fish and haven't done much of it since getting married. Josh is not one for sitting quietly on the river bank or in a canoe casting for hours. So Fly Fishing seems as though it will be something we both can enjoy and we hope to get a few lessons from Colby Garman. So those are the new "movements" we will attempt in 2011 I hope to report back next January that they were all successful.