Lazy Days, Part 2

It seems like there was no time to catch a breath when we got home from the beach. The first week, of course, was spent unpacking, buying groceries, cleaning, and just generally getting my house back in order.

The Saturday after we got home, Kate, Lia & I all ran the Elvis Presley 5K (actually called Running with the King). Mark had to work, so thanks to my mom & dad for coming to watch over Sam & Rachel while we ran.

For weeks, my goal had been to get my 3.1 mile time under 40 minutes (please remember I'd only been running a matter of weeks at this point). The Saturday before, at the beach, I'd finally met that goal with a time of 39:11. For this race, a week later, I'd set a lofty goal (for me) of 35 minutes. AND I DID IT! I had an average pace of 11:15, which put me just under 35, a definite personal best.

Lia after the race. Don't know where her arms are!


Kate after the race, doing what she loves most: READING!


Lynn, me & Kim after the race.

"Big Buddy" with Sam & Rachel!

One great thing about that race is that it really motivated Kate to see that she really could finish! Her track team's running camp was coming up the next week, and we had been pretty wishy-washy about her going or not, but after the 5K, she was all about it.

So, the following Wednesday, we drove her to Beaver Lake, where she would spend the next three days making new friends, working out, and running some crazy big hills. I did make her call home each night (Daddy's rules!) and each night she was full of excitement. She had such a great time!

The same week, my cousins girls were down from Olive Branch staying with my grandparents, and Lia stayed there with them...for THREE DAYS! One of those overlapped with the time Kate was gone, so I had a really weird week, as I'm used to having ALL of them with me ALL of the time! They both had such fun, though, and I love that they're building great "summer memories".

That Saturday, it was time to drive back to the Lake to pick Kate up. But first, I went the other direction to Pratts Community, to run another 5K, the Frog Level. This time I was going in with a goal of something around 33 minutes, but more specifically, I wanted to keep my overall pace under 11 minutes.

We started the race a little late due to some thunderstorms, and although we were wet during the run, I'll take wet over hot any day! The course was just straight down a road, turn around and come back. I didn't 'love' that, as I like the distractions of twists, turns, and things to look at, but it was flat, so no complaints!

The only thing I will complain about is that they had a sweet little man standing at the 3.0 mark, who called out the time as you went past. I assumed I was done, turned off my timer, and started walking. Thankfully, John Parker called out, "Ms. Emily, you have to go to the NEXT umbrella!" At which point my earring fell out and I stopped to get it. Grrr!!! My friend Nikki from Canada makes fun of me for running with earrings on...I'll never hear the end of this one!

Finally, I sprinted the last tenth of a mile to the finish. I don't have to tell those of you who know me how very frustrated I was to lose time that way, but hey, things happen, and I still averaged a 10:55 pace, so all in all, I met my goal. Oh, and I got a cute little trophy for finishing 3rd in my age group! I was proud, not so much of "placing", because that was a fluke, but because I knew I'd worked hard to cut my time nearly six minutes in two weeks. That's what I think of when I look at the trophy!



That crazy week was finished up with all my babies home, all of us exhausted, napping Saturday afternoon away!

Have a great Sunday!
Blessings,
Em

"Lazy Summer Days"...NOT

I'm not sure where the phrase "lazy summer days" ever came from, but that has certainly NOT been our experience so far! It seems that these last few weeks have been a whir of activity! Here's a quick run-down of what we've been up to.

First of all, the end of May, my parents, my sister and her family, her in-laws, and my brother and his family all went to Orange Beach. Every day or two, my mom would send us an email about the fun they were having and how she wished we were there, too.

Sooo... one Wednesday morning, after coming in from a run and receiving one such email, I literally threw some clothes in a suitcase, loaded up the kids and set off for the Beach! Mark was working, so it was just me & the kiddos. Our plan was to spend the night (on the floor) Wednesday and Thursday nights, then come home that Friday to be rested up for my first 5K that Saturday. As it turned out, Mark showed up that Friday, and we stayed on at the condo after the rest of the family left on Saturday morning. We stayed until Monday! I did miss my first 5K, but I ran the 3.1 that Saturday morning before everyone else got up!

The whole trip was the most unexpected turn of events, as we were not planning on taking a vacation this year at all. I realized how much of my life we spend talking ourselves out of things, and I determined to be more spontaneous, and not so quick to say "no".

I was so, so blessed by the gift of having my little family, especially Mark, all to myself at such a beautiful, peaceful location. The Monday morning we came home, I sat on the beach with my coffee and cried like a baby because of the joy of having been able to be there and the sadness of having to leave.

Here are some pictures of our time there:


The beach trip proved to be just the beginning of what has been the busiest, but BEST summer in recent memory. More to come in the next post!

Have a GREAT Saturday!
Em

Beryl Kate

About nine years ago, one Friday morning, I woke up with an extra 14 lbs. of fluid and a blood pressure of 175/115. I was just over 35 weeks pregnant with my first baby. The doctor on call thought it a good idea for me to come in for "observation".

The following Monday, after several days in the high risk unit, I found myself going through all the preliminaries of labor induction. I don't remember much after that because of all the magnesium, Phenergan, and other meds I don't know the name of... but I know that at 1:20 p.m. Beryl Kate Burleson was born into a room full of respiratory and neonatal folks...who weren't needed at all. She was a perfect, healthy, strong little 6 lb., 7 oz. little baby girl.

It's so hard to believe it's been NINE years since we first held our little Kate-bug. Kate, my early talker. Kate, who could (and did) recite the whole Madeline book on demand, in it's entirety when she was two (we treated her like a side show: "Kate, do your trick!"). Kate, who has always been so moved by the things of the Lord. Kate, with the most vivid imagination, who'd rather read than breathe air! Kate, eager to please, with the sweetest spirit, who genuinely loves everyone.

I know there are no perfect children, but she's as close to one as I've ever seen. She is such a joy and a delight. What a blessing it has been to be her mother!

Happy Birthday, my sweet Kate!


Blessings,
Em

For Today...

Outside my window...Bright sunshine, a cool breeze, and my son calling for the cat.

I am thinking... how excited I am for Summer this year. I used to dread it so much!

From the learning rooms... cutting it down to the "Summer bare minimum"!

I am thankful for... new ideas that bless our family.

From the kitchen... neglected baking and an empty fruit bowl. Grocery store and baking on my list!

I am wearing...Robe & new slippers.

I am reading... Galloway's Book on Running and A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer, by John Piper.

I am hoping... tonight's run is great...the last couple were not.

I am creating... a list of all the things I want AND need to do/learn/read this summer (thanks, Roan!)... anyone's girls interested in a Bread Baking 101 at Em's house? Any ladies up for a Bible study? Just some thoughts...

I am praying... for little 3-year old Annie, who has an MRI & Dr. Consult on Thursday regarding her brain tumor & surgery. Also for Ryan & John Parker, taking SAT's today & tomorrow. For my precious friend. For my husband and my children. For "more love to Thee, O Christ".

Around the house... not dirty, but cluttered to the point that it's beginning to be a distraction for me.

One of my favorite things... making lists and plans. Learning something new.

A few plans for the rest of the week... let's see...running, Dr.'s appointment w/ new doctor, grocery store, baking, working on my "list" some more, and hopefully a park day.

If you want to do a "daybook" post of your own, click on the picture at the beginning of this post, and you'll be directed to the original site.

Have a happy day!
Em

Two Reasons I Want Him to Win

Ok, first of all, let me just go ahead and put it out there that we are shameless and unapologetic American Idol watchers. I even vote. I know that it's pretty much a given that Adam will win (if the judges have their way) and I don't deny the boy has mad talent, he's just not my cup of tea (I honestly believe he would work that scream of his into Amazing Grace, were he ever so inclined to sing it).

While Danny started out as my favorite, early on I started to notice the quiet guy in the back. You know, the one who had recieved zero coverage. He'd come out and play a song and we'd be like, "What's his name again? He's pretty good." Week after week, Kris Allen began to grow on me.

Then one night back in March, he won me. It was one of those performances that had me rewinding the tivo just to hear it again. And again. Here it is:




After that performance, every week I'd cast a vote for Danny and a vote - or two - for Kris. Then last night he did it again with his last song. I looked at Mark and said, "Ok, he's officially my favorite. I'd rather Danny leave than Kris." (Don't get me wrong. I love Danny, but we all know Adam is staying, so one of the others have gotta go). The bottom line is that if I had a CD from each of them in front of me, I'd choose Kris hand's down. Call it personal preference. Anyway, here's a video from last nights show.




I realize most of those reading my blog don't watch, and have probably added me to your prayer lists by now, but if you DO watch, I'd love to know who you're pulling for.

Have a great one,
Em

Running Update & Gum Tree Pics

For all of you on the edge of your seat, I thought I'd give a running update. Today we started Week Four. I was really nervous about this week, because first of all, it's the week that we officially start running more than walking. Secondly, it's the week that asks us to start running a full five minutes before taking a short walk break.

Now I know that's a cake walk to my super-fit friends, but just a couple of weeks ago, I was in agony over having to run for 90 consecutive seconds! I vividly remember thinking I would never make it five whole, uninterrupted minutes! But I did it. My legs and chest were both screaming at me by the end (well, maybe not screaming, but certainly raising their voice!), but I never felt like I just couldn't go on. If I'd had to, I'm sure I could've gone longer.

As a side note, I will say that finally getting some shirts designed for running made a huge difference to me. For weeks, I've been clawing at my heavy cotton t-shirts by the middle of the run. They were truly driving me crazy! Now if I can just get an mp3 with a clip, so it's not constantly falling out of my shorts! Oh, and speaking of gadgets, my Garmin will be here on Thursday! Mark got it for Mother's Day instead of making me wait till July. Love that man!

My knee still feels great, aside from a slight twinge here or there. I'm so thankful! Speaking of thankful, I just have to say how amazing God has been through this. First of all, He's the One who brought the whole running thing about. Secondly, He's put some great people in our lives. He provided me with an awesome double jogger for days when I have to take both my littles. Last week, we were given a FREE treadmill for stormy days when I can't get out and run. It's an older one, but in it's day, it was a good one (I Googled it). Then last night, Mark tells me that if he isn't working that weekend, he'll run the Elvis Presley 5k with us! He's been SUPER supportive of me & the girls, but him running with us is even better! I'm just so happy! I never thought I'd hear myself say that I'm loving running, but I really am!!!

So there's that. Now, here are some pics I took this past Saturday at the Gum Tree 10K & Habitat 2K in Tupelo. Some friends ran the 10K, while my girls and their friends ran the 2K, along with Kim, who did great! I was so proud of everyone!

Kate & Lia with some friend's before the races. I love Jared's little head in this picture!


Here comes Kate, approaching the finish. She was tired, but she pressed on! She's not a 'natural' athlete, but she's hardworking and determined. SO proud of this girl! (If you look to the left, you can see Lia coming up).


Here's Lia, making it look easy! The truth is, she'd been walking just a minute before, so she was pretty fresh! Lia is a natural athlete like her Daddy, and she's done great keeping up with all the early morning runs.


Proud Mama with her sweet girls after the 2K.


Oh, Sam! This was basically how he looked all morning long! He was miserable in the rain! Actually, he was mostly mad because he didn't want the stroller's shade and towel over him!

Next week, I hope to have some pictures to post of this Saturday's 5K...unless I decide to run it...

Have an awesome week!

Blessings,
Em

Carry Me

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11

I love the picture created by this verse. A tender picture of the Lord caring for His own, feeding them, leading them, carrying them close... and it seems that he takes extra special care of "those that are with young".

This is such good news to me! It's been almost nine years since I became a mother, and while they have been the best years of my life, NEVER have I felt more vulnerable. I've often wondered where that confident, fearless girl, full of passion for life and her Lord disappeared to. And who is this often unsure, fearful woman who struggles to keep hold of an intimate relationship with Jesus? I've never needed Him more...

How thankful I am that He knew it would happen, and that He has extra special grace for me and for all mamas. May I better learn to lean into His gentle care.

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mommies!

Blessings,
Em