Crazy Love Gamble-Style

 Right before school started up we took a trip up to see Bob and Barby, one of our very favorite places to go, we all just adore them. Grandma had all the toys set out waiting for the girls to play with. They were thrilled. The boxes are always just as much fun as the toys they store too.  My favorite view from my morning run.  We hit up our favorite lunch spot in Coeur d'Alene, complete with a walk around the pond and a trip to the little park.  It was the perfect day for it.  Of course we played a lot of pinochle, love that.  The girls both love their blow up bed.  Norah's not the most helpful partner.  But she is very studious.  Like father, like son.  Angels.  Or not.  Fun at Grandma's church.  Concert for the ponies.  Deer up by the old house. Another lovely sunset.  This picture will always make me giggl...

On Sunday, I was asked to speak at our church (IN FRONT OF EVERYONE!!) about the lessons God has taught me through running and how it has strengthened my faith.  First off I was sweating buckets, I was so nervous!  I am not a fan of public speaking, it is not really part of my skill set.  I was terrified. Somehow, I got through it, here is what I said: Three years ago I could never have imagined myself running at all, much like pastor Terry, I saw it as a torturous thing to be avoided at all costs.  I was forty pounds heavier, with terrible asthma & three pins in my hip, it's just not something I could imagine myself being able to do. The Lord helped me push past all of that, and as I became a runner, I started to see that I was the only one holding myself back.   I wanted to run this race, to break through my fears and my doubts, to prove to myself that there is nothing that I can't do, but I did not do it alone.  As a new Christi...

Jessica and I had such an amazing weekend away with our ladies from our church.  We stayed at the Christian Renewal Center out in Silverton.  Having never been to a retreat I wasn't sure exactly what to expect.  It turned out to be everything I could of ever wanted in a retreat and so much more.  The surroundings are beyond beautiful, the people were fantastic, the message was amazing, the food was wonderful, and there were so many fun things to do! The very best part is that everyone had the same focus, God's faithfulness, which was the theme of our retreat.    Up early to run : )  My peeps!  Nichole and Adrianne shared a cabin with Jessica & I.  Sisters!  They even have a zip-line!     Love her.  And her.  She's pretty awesome too!  So fun!  Us girls decided to do a quick hike, then go back to camp for s'mores and some rest b...