Rocks, Rocks & More Rocks

One morning this week we decided to get out of the house right away and head down to see a rocky beach near the house.  It was a quick trip but Jack really enjoyed "rock climbing."  Watching the waves was phenomenal and something I could probably do every day while we are here!  The waves in Florida that I am used to are nothing like these waves. 

Fighting the cancer beast through prayer

My heart has been so heavy this week as I have thought about and prayed for the many people who's lives have recently been touched by illness, most specifically cancer:


My Uncle Pete has been fighting a valiant battle against prostate cancer.  He is living life to the fullest each day and giving this disease a run for it's money! Love you Uncle Prissy!


Morgan, who is a daughter, sister, mother, and my Uncle Pete & Aunt Geri's niece, has been battling stage IV mestastatic Melanoma this past year. Thankful for her supportive, loving family! Encourage her this week, if you have a chance. 


A young husband and father, Andy Meadows received his cancer diagnosis in December and is just beginning his battle with stage IV metastatic melanoma.  If you think of him this week, pray for him to feel well enough to begin a clinical trial at Vanderbilt!


A sweet college friend, Shannon Reynolds Smith, officially became the mommy of a sweet little boy named Will.  Just as she and her husband Justin were celebrating Will's adoption, Shannon learned her cancer has returned for the third time.  She has just begun chemo and is looking to the future with hope in her Savior. In the last few days Shannon has learned that her mother, Pat has cancer......Adenocarcinoma.  Pray for the Smith & Reynolds families, as they not only fight the cancer battle but also navigate the details of taking care of Shannon's mom and making sure Will is taken care of each day.  This family would covet your prayers.


I received word this weekend from several close Chattanooga friends, about a precious 3 yr old, Seth Carpenter, whose family has learned that he has leukemia.  They are also trusting their Savior for strength and guidance to face what's ahead.  This family has already endured a health battle this year with Seth's sister, as she had brain and back surgeries.  Little Seth had his port put in and begins chemo this week. 


Before I even finished this post, my dear friend Sarah, informed us of a little girl, Piper, who is my sweet Henry's age and is battling leukemia. 


The list doesn't end here.....there are so many more lives being touched by cancer and illness each day. I'm sure you could list people in your own lives who are facing the Cancer Beast. In no way, am I able to comprehend what these families face each day, or understand what trials/struggles/heartaches they face.


Having no idea what the future holds in my own life, I am forever grateful that I know the One who holds the future in His hands and enables me to face the future with eternal hope.


Maybe you can take a few moments to encourage these families this week.  Visit their caringbridge or carepage and sign their guestbooks.  All of their names should link to a page, except Pete & Andy.  Will you also commit to pray these verses, or any others that come to mind, this week, for these families:

   "But you, Israel, my servant,
  Jacob, whom I have chosen,
  the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
  and called from its farthest corners,
 saying to you, “You are my servant,
  I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
 fear not, for I am with you;
  be not dismayed, for I am your God;
 I will strengthen you, I will help you,
  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
(Isaiah 41:8-10 ESV)

"For I, the LORD your God,
  hold your right hand;
 it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
  I am the one who helps you.”
  Fear not, you worm Jacob,
  you men of Israel!
 I am the one who helps you, declares the LORD;
  your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel."
(Isaiah 41:13-14 ESV)

Remember your word to your servant,
  in which you have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
  that your promise gives me life.Your hands have made and fashioned me;
  give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
  because I have hoped in your word.
 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
  and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
 Let your steadfast love comfort me
  according to your promise to your servant.
 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
  for your law is my delight.
(Psalm 119:49-50, 73-77 ESV)

Power Gliding 101

Even though the boys have been feeling bad, we did get out with everyone for a few hours yesterday morning.  We actually got out before Henry was really doing poorly. 

We drove across the island to the North Shore area.  The waves are amazing over there and I could see why it's a surfer's paradise! 

At a small airport, a couple began a Power Gliding company.  It's very similar to hang gliding but has an engine.  Gorgeous views & so relaxing!

The boys enjoyed watching from the "tower."  Jack asked several times why Mr. Aaron wasn't in there watching the planes. (Our good friend is an air traffic controller in Chattanooga, but Jack thinks that means he watches ALL planes everywhere.)  Here are a few pics from our day at the airstrip -

Kites

On any given day since we've been here on Oahu, we've seen people flying kites in a grassy area near the beach close to our house.  It always looked like the people were having such great success with their kites, so we thought it would be worth a shot!  I must admit that I was a bit skeptical.  All I could think about was how many times I had one of those $5 kites from the store as a kid and I was the one providing the wind power while constantly running!  Repeating that with two small kids didn't seem too appealing.  I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled that we experienced kite flying together!

Becky was giving a little instruction even though Jack was really interested in "doing it by himself."

Henry enjoyed running around with Rufus (Art & Becky's dog), but he also attempted flying the kites.

Art's taking a break!! If you know him for more than five minutes, you'll learn that it's a rare occasion for him not to be on the phone or the computer!  Thankful he got to enjoy some down time with us!

The boys and their new best buddy, Rufus.  Although Jack is allergic to dog saliva (yes, saliva, not hair!), Rufus is a great companion and playmate.  He loves a ball almost as much as Henry and also likes resting in the afternoon sun or laying down to read books with Jack!

He said it was easy to fly kites and he could do it sitting down!

A day in the life of a little boy is never complete until he's spent time with some mud!

Weekly Goals Update 1.19.11

Weekly Goals Update - 


I have been drinking a lot of water, but unfortunately left my water bottle at home and currently am just drinking out of whatever cup is around.  Hopefully by next week I'll have a new water bottle and be able to measure my water intake more accurately.  As for caffeine, I'm just not sure if this is going to stay on the list!  I have had Diet Coke if we've been out and about, but mainly drinking coffee when we are at home. 


Getting my running in......not yet today, but the day isn't over yet out here, so there is still time! 


Been going to bed fairly early, but two nights was awake after midnight.  We are still adjusting to the time and the bed! We had become so spoiled by our own fantastic mattress, that it is difficult to sleep somewhere else.  


As for sweets, well I cheated a little this week, but it was only because we didn't have a pan!  Becky & I were going to make brownies on Sunday but the house doesn't have any baking pans.  Obviously Southern girls didn't live in this home before we were here!! From the types of dishes & spices (an actual bottle of msg!!) we think the home is owned by a Japanese family.  Anyway, we purchased a pan and made the brownies on Monday.  So I had sweets this week but on a different day.  Oh well! We'll get back on track this week! 


I don't think I've lost any actual pounds but my clothes feel a little looser.  Always a good sign! 

Segways

In Jake & Art's business they will be using Segways with their employees, so there is one here at the house right now and we have had a lot of fun learning to use it.  Jack has especially enjoyed being able to maneuver it in the garage and down the street.


Jack on a Segway from Winnie Spann on Vimeo.


Jake & Jack had a little contest to see who could go to a designated point & back the fastest.  Even though Jake it quite the professional on it, Jack won by 1 second!

(Quick note - We DO make him wear a helmet even though he doesn't have it on in the picture.  We hadn't found one to fit at the time of the filming.)

Mud Puddles

Some days I'm not really sure what we are doing with our time, but this afternoon we realized we hadn't been out of the house yet.  Well I had been for a run, but that seemed like days ago by 3:30 in the afternoon. So Becky, the boys and I set out for a little walk. 

We found a great little botanical garden up the hill near us.  The plethora of mud puddles at the entrance were so enticing, that we didn't make it much farther....

Two happy boys.....

Today's Outing - Sandy Beach

The rocks and sand are plentiful and this place is a surfer's delight, but as I am learning all of Hawaii is popular for surfing! 

Jack loved climbing on the rocks and didn't even seem to mind that he was covered from head to toe in sand and losing his bathing suit most of the time.  The waves are pretty big and intimidating so we only spent a short time near the water's edge, but we did enjoy the small wading pools that developed along the sand. 

Henry even took a short nap while we were out! :) Now onto the beach clothes laundry and midday baths for little ones!

Side note...

I thought I would go ahead and do my first goals update -

Since we've been here I've been able to get out to run FOUR times!  I know that doesn't seem like all that much in 7 days but when you have two small children and your husband's schedule is a little crazy, four days is a lot!  The warm weather, cool breeze and beautiful scenery could make me actually ENJOY running!

My friend Angela has totally inspired me to run at least a 5K this year.  Like I said before, I would also love to run the Nashville Music City Half-Marathon in April with my friend Carrie but I am thinking that isn't really enough time for me to go from NOTHING to 13 miles! So for now a 5K is in my future.....

I am loving the Couch to 5K program that I downloaded to my phone. Angela recommends some podcasts that are already timed for the program, but I am podcast illiterate and can't get them to my phone.  But maybe you can do it!

Goals

My sweet college friend, Sarah - mommy of four! lovely ladies, wife to an amzing man who runs this place, sister, daughter and friend - has somehow found time in her busy life to commit to Body After Baby.  It has inspired me to join in....I mean Henry is 18 months old! Guess it's time to get serious, right?
My friend Carrie also recently asked if I would want to run/walk in the Music City Marathon in March 2011.  I wish I had been able to quickly respond with "Yes, of course!," but instead I said, "Hmm, maybe. That sounds fun..." all along hoping she would forget about it.  Anyway, I think it is a great goal that might even motivate me!

I also realized how much I've stayed away from the front of the camera lens when capturing moments in the lives of my children, but only because I am unhappy with where I am.  But I want to look back at pictures and see myself WITH my family for a change!  I guess I am on board!  Anyone want to join in??

Since I love it when someone does the work for me, I'm going to use most of Sarah's goals with a few changes that I also read about here:

1) Drink 64 ounces of water per day
2) Don't eat seconds or sweets, except on days beginning with S
3) Exercise 4 days per week for 30 minutes each session (Jillian Michaels or Couch To 5K)
4) Get to bed before midnight
5) Only drink 2 Diet Cokes per day (or any caffeinated beverage)

Even though I don't plan on posting my actual weight on here (for my own sanity!! That's just putting a little too much out there for me!!), I do plan to post updates each Tuesday with weight loss/gain.  Thought I'd share a picture to motivate and document the current state of affairs!  Let the fun begin!  Let me know if you are joining in.....

Holana Blowhole

We are visiting Hawaii during the "rainy season" so we are trying to get out in between rain storms.  Even though Henry is still sick, when Jake finished working today, we decided to jump in the car for a little ride.  It was just what we all needed!

Not far from our little area, there is a popular tourist attraction called Holana Blowhole.  The rocks come together in such a way that a water/mist sprays up through the middle at certain points during high tide.  With the help of the wind, there was a fantastic show today! Unfortunately I only had my cell phone to take these pics, so I never really got the water shooting up!  We will definitely go to this spot again!

Jack really enjoyed running around and looking at the surfers at a nearby beach.  Henry had some moments of happiness, but for the most part he has looked like this...... all day!

Our New Adventure....

After 3 flights, we made it two our "home away from home" for the next two months....

Hawaii Kai, East O'ahu, Hawaii! 

Jake & his business partner, Art are doing some work out here and we decided to tag-a-long for the trip.  Jake will be working a bunch but it just so happens that Art's wife, Becky is my college roommate and bestie so we will have tons of fun while the guys work. 
. 

The boys did well until the 3rd flight.  Seven hours is a long time to be confined to a very small area & be buckled in the whole time! Henry slept 2 hours and Jack slept 5 hours.  Thankfully they were both still tired when we landed, because Mommy & Daddy were ready to go to bed after being up 20ish hours. 

Jack broke us in to the local area very quickly!  When we left Chatty he had been up since 3:30am with a high fever, but by the time we arrived in Honolulu, a cough, stomach virus, and wheezing set in.  We quickly found an Urgent Care place the next morning.  2 breathing treatments, antibiotics, steroids, a few glove baloons to play with, stickers...and we were on our way.  

Monday and Tuesday Jack still battled the high fever, and wheezing but he has begun to act more like himself.  Henry could not be left out of the fun and always wants to do what big brother is doing.  He started throwing up and coughing on Monday.  Then on Tuesday the high fever began, so we took him in to the doctor.  He has pneumonia!  Crazy!! 

We are so thankful to have these first few days to rest, relax, recover from the jetlag and get these boys on the mend.  Since we are staying for an extended period of time, its been no big deal to be inside with these sick kiddos.

Jake & I have each managed to sneak out for 2 runs since we've been here.  I completed Day 2 of the Couch to 5K program while watching the sunrise near the end of our street.  Thankful we know the God who created each sunrise.  Gorgeous!

Holiday Picture - forgot to post this in Dec! :)

I really liked my mother-in-law's Christmas tree and thought it would be nice to get the boys' picture taken near the tree.  Boy was I wrong!  Who knew that getting two boys to both sit still AND smile couldn't be accomplished by three adults?!?!  Even though I don't typically post "bad pictures," here are a few outtakes and the final project (with help from Grandma & Grandpa!  Thanks!).

Maybe next year will be more successful!

Fun days at Grandma's

The boys enjoy going to Grandma's almost every Friday!  I guess getting someone's undivided attention, getting to do fun things and having someone fix your favorite foods is pretty great, right? :)  I would want to go too!  Here are the things they currently like doing while at Grandma's:

Jack has recently taken up playing baseball in the yard!  We are thrilled that he is showing some interest in physical activity & something we think is super fun!

Henry can almost alwaya be found sitting in the middle of Fisher Price Little People or Playmobil people.  He cracks us up with his obsession and concentration!

Before our school break

(Now that I have my computer back I'm trying to get caught up on our last few weeks.  Just hoping I took some pictures of everything!!)

Jack and C were doing really well with school before we took our break for the holidays.  They both were beginning to pick up on sounding out and using the letters that they have learned.  I've seen big improvements in cutting and coloring since August!

One afternoon after school time, Jack and C were having some free play time.  They chose to create a train in Jack's room and Henry was insistent on participating!

Christmas Card 2010

About a week ago we wrote a fantastic Christmas note to print on labels and put on the back of our Christmas card (a picture one ordered online).  Saved the letter late one night and thought we would print it the following morning, but when we went to turn the computer on, the hard drive had died.  So sad..... but we have a quick fix!  

Christmas cards will be sent out tomorrow and the blog address is on the back.   Hopefully people will check it out and read our second Christmas note for 2010.....

We hope that your 2010 has been full of blessings and joy!  Our days have been full and fun this year. Here are just a few memories that stir up thankfulness in our hearts:

• Several opportunities to go to the beach with family and friends
• Experiencing sound teaching and enriching fellowship with our church family
• Jake loving his job
• Henry walking, talking and adding joy to our every day lives
• Jack playing soccer and enjoying our home preschool time each week
• Welcoming our new niece/cousin, Zoe Evelyn (pictured with the boys on our card!)
• God's overwhelming provision in our lives

These are just a few things from our year, but we'd love for you to look back through the blog to see what else we've done.  Maybe we will be able to update it a little more often this coming year!  Hoping to visit with many of you in the days and weeks to come. Praying that you and your family experience the love, peace and joy that comes from knowing our Savior Jesus Christ.  Much love to you!!!  

Jake, Winnie, Jack and Henry

Inside Fun on a Snow Day!

When we see this outside.........

We try to stay in and do warm, fun things!  If there was enough snow to sled we would go out but right now it's not worth it.  It is below 32 and chilly, but we are having fun with Daddy's Playmobil sets!  Jake NEVER lets the boys play with these beloved treasures from his childhood, but tonight we are having a special treat!

Jack just told us, "I'm rounding up the posse! I've got a door (score) to settle!"  No idea where he learned this phrase but it is cracking us up!

Henry loves putting the hats on the cowboys!