Happy Birthday Sandy!

About once every 10 years, I try and surprise Sandy on her birthday. The first time it was all my idea. This second time, I have to give credit to her bro Sam.

The surprise almost failed about 10 times. And the most exciting part was having Sandy and I at the hostess desk at Cheesecake Factory about to sit down at our table while I thought everyone was safely sitting down and waiting for us, only to find out that everyone was just outside the front door, 10 feet behind Sandy! Somehow we managed to pull it off, and Sandy was surprised! What a great night! Happy birthday honey!

San Jose Half Marathon

After months of training, I managed to finish my 3rd half marathon, this time in San Jose. My official time was 1:56:47. It was my personal best though to be honest, I had hoped to run faster. I had my first bout of plantar fasciitis the week before and had a horrible night's sleep to slow me down.

I finished 1700 out of 8362 total runners (top 20%), 1295 out of 4128 men (top 31%) and 231 out of 760 between the ages of 40-45 (top 30%). All in all it wasn't too bad. The race was a ton of fun with bands playing and squads cheering. One of the funniest things to happen to me was that one of the lenses of my sunglasses popped out after mile 1. It was disorienting having one lens in and one lens out so I had to dump the other lens and was just running with empty frames for 12 miles. I kept wondering if they looked like Google glass. How fitting as I ran in San Jose!

Old Town Sacramento

We spent a little time in Old Town Sacramento this summer visiting Cancun and Auntie Charlotte.

It's stayed true to its Western roots with all sorts of brick buildings and wood walkways.

Even though it was super hot, we tried to stay cool.

We did find one cool cowboy...

Sactown was the place to be!

But to the boys, it didn't really matter where they were as long as they got to hang out with their Uncle Sam!

Psalm 119:9-11

 

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. 10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. 11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.

 I had Emery take the spirit of the verse and it apply it to herself as a young woman.

Summer fun for Emz

It was a busy summer as usual with the girl. What wasn't she doing?

Emery was shopping.

And getting her hair braided.

And sewing. She took a class over the summer.

And of course, making lots and lots and lots of crazy looms!

Psalm 84:10-12

I was shocked to discover how much Andrew's voice has changed this past year. Here he is with Psalm 84:10-12.

Psalm 84:10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You!

And here is Andrew in 2013. Can you believe it?!

Romans 12:1-2

I have A LOT of verses to upload to the blog that the boys and girl have been memorizing. Here's the latest.

Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

May Matt and Emery both be transformed and transforming as they offer God a life of worship.