Spirit of the Marathon

Last night I was able to relive my marathon running experience with friend, Heather. The movie "Spirit of the Marathon" was being shown nationwide, one night. The movie follows six people as they train for and compete in the Chicago Marathon. The movie was especially neat for Heather and I because we ran the Chicago Marathon in 2003. The pictures and images of the route and excitement of the day brought all the memories back. If you are a runner and ever considered running a marathon, this is an excellent movie to see. They are going to have a repeat showing in February. Check out the website! Once you cross the finish line, your life changes forever!

Dear John

I was delighted to receive not one, but two Nicholas Sparks books for Christmas. I started reading the first a few days ago and could not wait to get home after work to pick it back up each evening. Last night, I couldn't put it down. I was up until 11:30PM (very late for me on a work night) and when I finished the book, had uncontrollable sobbing. Justin woke up and said, "Are you okay?" All I could muster was "It was just so sad!" I greatly enjoyed this read, even though it took out my heart, stomped on it and left it on the floor. Check out the description for yourself. Then, go to the library and check out "Dear John."

Christmas 2007

We enjoyed a great Christmas break with both of our families. We spent a few days in Iowa and a few days in MN. Surprisingly, IA had much more snow this year. The snow picture taken below is in my parents backyard. It was absolutely gorgeous. I felt like a kid again being at home with the big swirling snowstorm outside.

Other favorites of our break included snowshoeing with D's mom in the timber, seeing J's parent's new home (in the process of being built), playing "ImagineIFF" with J's extended family, roasting hot dogs on Christmas Eve over the fireplace, seeing our nieces and nephews excitedly open their gifts and most importantly, celebrating our Lord's birth!

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2008! God bless!