Stephan's Christmas Concert

Stephan's vocal concert for the Christmas season was held on Friday morning, December 21st at Oak Grove High School. Steph and I had to leave the house by 6am to make it to Oak Grove in time to get a little breakfast and take in this concert. Stephan is in the 2nd row, middle with the maroon shirt under the microphone. He is in two vocal groups at his school!
All three vocal groups did an outstanding job and their principal was very excited about the school's spirit in backing the efforts of their classmates! I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed time with family and friends.

Frances Turner Was Laid To Rest

What a blessing it was to see many people come out to Frances' visitation then funeral yesterday in Harrisonville, MO. Frances was like my 2nd mom. I grew up with Paul Turner as my best friend and often enjoyed a meal at my house to go next door and have another meal with the Turners. Frances was an inspiration for courage and grace as she made her way into heaven early Monday morning.
I recieved a very special honor the morning of Frances' funeral. While visiting with friends who have come a great distance to say their farewells, Paul approached me as I was joining the crowd to take our seats before the funeral began. He asked me where I was going and I gestured to the crowd. He said, "come on back with us, you're as much a part of this family as others back here. Anyway, that's how mom would have wanted it!" I felt a sense of pride well up in me as I joined the family in the back room before they were ushered in.
Charles opened the service and helped us all laugh alittle and set the tone for a fellowship of joy at Frances' jouney home. Chuck was always great at bringing laughter into God's message for us. I'm very proud of him...the strength of the Lord was ever present in him!
James, the oldest son, had a recorded harmonica song played just for his mom...you could almost see Frances sitting there in her chair, leaning forward with a big smile on he face, ever attentive as she showed her pride for her son's song! Paul read from a letter he had written to his mom paying tribute to her teachings, strengths and always eliciting God's direction in all things that she did. It was a loving letter from a son who missed his mom but knew that one day he would experience her arms around him again when they meet in heaven.
What an inspriation this family is to others. Frances was the backbone of this family and will be missed! The great thing is her inspiration for others to follow the walk God sets before them and the willingness to stay close to the path that God has made. We may not be able to be that backbone, but what we can do is emulate the best we can because of the great teacher God sent to us to learn from these past 65 years. Thanks to everyone who said a special prayer for the Turner family - it was evident that God heard your prayers!

Christmas Concert in Platte City

Sunday afternoon was the annual Christmas Concert at the high school. That's Shallen on the end of the first row (she is first chair on flute). Shallen played piccolo and flute and had a solo in one of their songs. The music department at Platte City is very strong - each year, they win many awards in marching band and Districts. Following the concert, Shirley (Steph's mom), took us all out for a little dinner. We talked her into Sushi - I really don't think she liked it much...Steph, Shallen and I enjoyed it! I think she'll pick the place next time!

I received report this morning from my good friend Paul, that his mother passed away early in the morning. They didn't really think they would be sharing a Thanksgiving this year with Frances as her cancer was very active - I guess someone forgot to tell the cancer just how tough Frances really was! She was a remarkable lady, one I wish all of you would have had the opportunity to have known. She will be greatly missed by family and friends alike. She's with her Heavenly Father now and probably glowing in his presence! Please remember this family in your prayers as they remember the wonderful life they had with their mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and devoted wife!

A Slow Day

Some days are just not made for a lot of activity...you can see it on the faces of people you run into and you kind of feel it yourself - I think this is one of those days. We have a lot of people missing from work and I spent 35 minutes, to no avail, trying to get some information from four people that were all out on vacation or home sick. This is going to be a very long day, for some! Not for me, my wife is picking me up at 12:30 and we are gone from work until Monday.
We haven't seen a movie in awhile, and with "I Am Legend" on at the shows tonight, I think we'll be checking it out. I remember seeing the earlier version in the 70's starring Charleton Heston (The Omega Man); it was one of my favorites back then. I'm hearing a lot of good chatter about this version with Will Smith.
We're expecting more snow tonight and tomorrow. Up north of the river, we should only see a couple of inches, but I understand south of the I-435 loop, they could get upwards of 8 inches - we'll keep our fingers crossed. I really love snow this time of the year...it seems so much more like Christmas time with a blanket of the white stuff covering my lawn. I really don't mind the cold, because I know my fireplace is only a short distance away.
Shallen has a swim meet tomorrow at the Independence pool (Bridger) for Platte County. She's been doing well in practice - now we'll see if that progresses to the meet. Platte County should have a pretty good showing this year considering they have a pretty small squad and don't have their own pool to practice in.
Stephan's school choir Christmas Concert was cancelled Monday night because of possible ice. It's been rescheduled for a week from today (12/21) at 7:30am at Oak Grove High School! I'm not sure if the school doesn't want anyone to attend or that was the only time available. This will be my first opportunity to see Stephan in something around school this year.
Have a great day everybody and be safe!

Cold...as in, I've got ONE!

I just can't shake this darn cold! I felt it coming on when I woke on the last day of our cruise. The throat was a little scatchy and I felt a little soreness in my joints - I just thought it was from my run on the deck the afternoon before; I pushed it a little bit. I'm now about five days into it with little sleep at night and my chest weighing twice as much. I feel like I've got that little green guy from the Mucinex commercial setting up house in my chest!
The worst part about all of this is, I was so good about keeping up with my running over the cruise (word is, most average people gain between 7-14 pounds after a week-long cruise because of the available food and general lack of exercise from being on vacation). I think I only gained about a pound and the first day we were on the ship, Steph and I decided to walk the stairs everywhere we went instead of taking the elevator. We definately got our exercise since we were on the 1st deck and the food and activities were either on the 5th or 9th decks.
I haven't done a long run (8-12 miles) in a couple of weeks and was really looking forward to getting back to run with my group on Saturday morning. If I get past this cold by then, the most I can probably expect to go is 6-8 at a much slower pace.
Got news yesterday from mom that the Elkins Christmas party will be at my brother Jeff's house in Lee's Summit on December 29th. We always have a great time; from Derek's weird gifts to everyone (it's become quite a tradition), to seeing all the kids tear into their presents as they exchanged names on Thanksgiving. The food is always great as well: from Caron's famous rolls and baked items to a big ham or turkey for sandwiches. I have a great family and it's always nice to be able to share these times of year with each of them.
Please pray for me that I can get past this cold and back into gear - there's a run (13.1 miles) I'm looking at in January for "hardcore" runners; very hilly and matched with the cold we get around here in January, no wimps need apply!

It's Good To Be Home

Even with all the bad weather we are currently experiencing in Kansas City (freezing rain to be followed by snow tomorrow), it's nice to have a place to return to that you call home after a trip. All the familiar things waiting for us after our week-long cruise made it easier for us to enjoy our trip that much more.
Our cruise departed from Galveston on 12/2 with three days at sea before we reached the island of Jamaca, mon, in Montego Bay! This was a very nice place to visit, but really wouldn't want to live there. Steph and I climbed up a 900 foot waterfall and spent our afternoon on a beach basking in the warm 90 degree sun (yes, I'm rubbing it in a little bit)!
Our second stop the next day brought us to the Grand Cayman Island. This was a very beautiful paradise where we had the chance to swim with stingrays and spend the remainder of our day doing a little shopping on the warf.
Our final stop brought us to the Mexican island of Cosumel - very beautiful, but very commericalized. We rode ATV's and visited an ancient Mayan temple. We also did a little bit of snorkling and enjoyed our time relaxing at a small beach resort. All in all, we had a very good time and enjoyed the fine dining aboard the Carnival ship - we will definately be going aboard another cruise ship in the future.
Coming from 90 degree weather back to 20 degree freezing rain was a bit of an adjustment! Honestly, I didn't really care, I had a nice tan for my troubles and some great memories with Steph...what more could I ask for!

Today's Run

One nice thing about working at the Sprint Campus in Overland Park, KS is their fitness center! It just happens to be next to my building, so at lunch, I can break away from the daily grind and the sedentary feeling of sitting in a chair all morning and get dressed for a run!

Today, it was nice to get away from work and free my mind for a good 45 minutes as I felt my legs back under me for a good, brisk run. About a mile from the campus there are asphalt trails that run along a creek shaded by trees. This was a great place to loose my self for a little bit.

I work from home tomorrow as we have new windows being put in - I honestly can't wait to get out of the office. I feel like I've got a million in one things to do before Steph and I leave for our trip.

Now on a more serious note: I'm not going to give detailed information, but anyone who reads my Blog, please take a moment and lift up your voice to God in prayer for a good, good friend of mine and his family - especially for his mom and dad. You see, Paul's mom is dying and is home now with family gathered around her. Paul lives in Tennessee and flies back and forth almost every weekend to be by her side. His older brother James comes to the house every week to spend time with his mom and give his dad a little rest. This family is continuing to praise God through all of this - and if you knew the faith of their mom, you'd understand why! Please take a moment and pray a special prayer for their strength and that Frances (my "2nd Mom") will not suffer as she prepares to leave this life and journey into an everlasting eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus! Please remember this family during special prayer service at your church and when you're alone in your car headed to and from work. Thanks everyone!

Morgan's Day

Yesterday, was my grand-daughter's sixth birthday! When I was younger thinking about having a grandchild and celebrating their birthday, I had visions of sitting in a rocking chair with a blanket over my lap and having them sit at my feet as they opened their presents - that's not exactly the way it worked out!
I can hardly believe Morgan is now six years old. It wasn't that long ago I was flying to Norfolk to pick her up from a tearful Erin as she planned to head out for a six-month Med-cruise. We flew back to Kansas City, just the two of us, playing and talking and me soaking up the time with her. She's definately not that little baby anymore who is reliant on you 100%...no, Morgan is very self-sustaining and likes doing things for herself.
Steph and I leave Saturday for a belated honeymoon on a cruise - we are so very excited! This will be 8 days away, just the two of us to enjoy the warmth of the sun and each other. My hope is, everyone is as happy as we are with their lives.
I continue to get in a few miles each day - trying to maintain through the winter time; I really haven't been very good at this since I was in college some 20 years ago. I want to PR a few races early in the Spring and qualify for the Boston Marathon by July. Hopefully, these long runs on Saturdays and speed workouts throughout the week will pay off.
Please take the time today to pray for someone who needs God's love and understanding - pray that you can be an inspiration to them both by word and by action!

Team In Training - Steph's Run

My beautiful wife, Stephanie, is currently in training for a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) to be held April 2008 in St. Louis. Part of her preparation for this run is to raise money for multiple "blood cancers" ailments through the Team In Training organization.

She has been putting in the miles and we try to workout together when we can (we ran together in the Turkey Trot 5K in Parkville, MO on Thanksgiving morning). If you normally give to a charity over the holiday season, I would ask you to consider sponsoring Steph for her run.

Please click on the link under "Web Links" on this blog to read more about where the money goes and how you can contribute. You can also see her progress with fund raising as well as preparing for the run in St. Louis. Please take the time to visit her site - I know you'll be glad you did!

Take the time today to do something good for someone - God uses each of us in many different ways everyday; allow yourself to be "Used"!

Up & Down Weekend

This was a great weekend for a lot of diversity. Saturday morning, Steph and I woke up to join our running groups for a much needed distance run after eating all that turkey on Thursday. My run was in Eastern Overland Park, so I had about a 30 minute drive ahead of me. About 5 minutes into my drive, it started to snow...very light, but still snow. I ended up running the full 10 miles with snow coming down on an old country road with trees hanging over the roadway and the snow picking up just a bit - it was a very nice run!
Saturday afternoon, we went to my brother-in-law's (Craig & Nedra Mitchell) farm for a thanksgiving meal with Nedra's side of the family and our close, immediate family. It was a very nice drive out to Winchester, KS. Steph and Shirley, my mother-in-law, and I all rode out together.
We made sure to leave early enough to get home to watch the MU vs KU Border War that night. It was a pretty good game; it was nice to see MU finally get the recognition they deserved in the polls following the game (it didn't hurt that LSU lost earlier that day).
Sunday morning, I was up by 7am to get ready for the Chief's game. A good friend of mine got tickets earlier in the season and asked me to go - we had been to one Raider game before (a couple of years ago) - there's just nothing like it. The Raider's fans didn't come out this year like they have in the past...with a 2-9 season, I guess they weren't very confident.
The Chief's had some shining moments in their loss: 150 yrds on the ground by Koby Smith (rookie running back) and some good down-field passing by Brodie Croyle, some tremendous hits by our defense...they just couldn't put it all together for a complete game. My biggest problem is the conservative play-calling that the offensive coordinator and Herm Edwards are coming up with. The Chief's have some very leathal weapons with a few key receivers and one hall-of-fame tight end; they just need to take a chance once in a while and put the opposing defense on their heels! Alright, the Monday Morning Quarterback is stepping down for the week.
I hope everyone enjoyed the time with family and friends over this weekend we set aside to remember everything that we are thankful for! May God bless each of you through this holiday season.

What Am I Thankful For...

This time of year always brings such joy and fond memories flooding back. I remember eating Thanksgiving dinner at our house, then running next door to my best friend Paul's house and eating there as well. The picture reminds me of when my grandma visited from CA - what a blessing she was for my family!

There's nothing better then having family and friends around to truely show you just how blessed you are. My family had Thanksgiving dinner at my brother Jeff's home in Lee's Summit, MO. What a great time to be with my brothers and sister and their family's! It was also great to experience this Thanksgiving with our newest addition...Addison Lynne, my grand-daughter from Colby!

Winter is now upon us in Kansas City. We awoke Wednesday morning to rain and temperatures in the 20's. That rain soon turned to blowing snow - what a wonderful thing to see! Steph and I ran in an annual event for us - 5K Turkey Trot run. This year, we decided not to drive all the way down to Overland Park, KS and stay in our neck of the woods by going to Parkville; we had a great time and a good run, which always means you can eat more when you have paid your dues by getting in a run before hand.

We plan to travel to Winchester, KS tomorrow to enjoy Thanksgiving with my extended family - Steph's family is going out to my sister-in-law's family farm to share Thanksgiving across a couple of families. What a blessing we have when we have our health and family all around us; God has given me a remarkable year, one that I will remember for the rest of my life!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Busy Weekend

What a beautiful weekend! I needed to get that in since the bottom is suppose to drop out of our weather in just a couple of days...just in time for Thanksgiving!

Saturday, I joined a new running group for their winter series. Short runs are not a problem for me (3-5 miles), but when I need to get in a 6-10 or farther run, my mind always convinces my body that it just doesn't need that kind of punishment.

Saturday, I made some new friends and ran a good, long, comfortable 12 miles - it felt great! I got to run through an older part of Kansas City and see the beautiful fall trees and run through pile after pile of leaves...I felt like a kid again.

Steph and I got to have dinner with Colby and Addison on Saturday night - Joe's Crab Shack never tasted better. Colby has such a way with Addie...she smiled all night long and you could just see the love Colby has for her daughter.

Sunday was a day of Chief's football and a late afternoon run with my beautiful wife. The Chief's had a good game against the Colts; Brodie Croyle made his debut as the new Chief's quarterback and did a pretty solid job of moving the ball around to different receivers. I think the Chief's have found their quarterback of the future! Steph and I ran a comfortable two miles then I split off for another two - four miles for the day. I really need to get another pair of running shoes...these are starting to kill my feet.

Have a wonderful week and think about what your are truely thankful for in your life! God gives us so much...this should be a pretty easy task for everyone!

Colby's Birthday

Yesterday, was my daughter Colby's 25th birthday. After having Addison over a month ago, she is back to work cutting hair. After work, Steph and I went to the beauty shop to give Colby a card and wish her a happy birthday.

Addison was at the baby sitter and Colby looked to be dragging a bit (this was her 3rd day back to work and she's still getting used to being on her feet for a number of hours). Steph got her hair cut by Colby, so, that gave us a little more time to talk and see how she was doing. Life for her is a lot different now that she has someone to take care of 24/7. This is a good thing for Colby - she's going to make a very good mom.

We laughed about how she acted when she was a small child and I reminded her of a vomiting episode she had at the nearby McDonald's one afternoon when I picked her up from Beaumont Christian School when she was sick (she was about 4 at the time). Needless to say, we will probably never be welcome in that McDonald's again!

Steph and I plan to have dinner with her and Addison Saturday night after she gets off work...I don't know what they'll talk about, but Addison and grandpa will have fun!

Boys are so much fun to raise...I really mean that! They bring so much diversity, not that girls don't add their own little flair to life.

I called Stephan last night to see how his week was going and ended up having to leave a voice message - pretty typical...he's a pretty busy 16 year old with work, school and friends.

He called me back about 9:30, just as Criminal Minds was really starting to get good. I've come to realize that whenever he starts out a call with, "Dad, I've got a question to ask you..." this is going to be interesting, because he's done his homework and ready to present his case. He wants to get a tattoo in the middle of his back that a friend drew for him!

Being a supportive Dad, I let him make his case...before I told him no! He told me that if I said it was OK, his mom would take him to get the tattoo, since he's under age. I told him, when he turns 18, he won't need my permission and can get the tattoo at that point. It's not that I'm against tattoos, I'm not, I'm just against tattoos on my 16 year old son.

I know this isn't over yet, so I'm looking forward to the next round in this battle.

Ready to Run...

Today was such a busy day at work, I couldn't wait to break away and get home for a good, long run. When I haven't run all day, my body reminds me that it needs to be worked, hard - increase my heart rate, sweat, and feel a good burn in my legs that only a long, hard run can muster.

I took off from work a little early since my mind was definately not on work and I felt like I was spinning my wheels with all the work at my desk. I headed home to find no one home; Steph had a Team in Training meeting after work and Shallen wasn't home from swim practice yet.

I got on my running shorts, laced up my shoes, put my iPod on my waist and headed out. With the sun on it's way down, and people racing to get home from their long day's work, I felt relaxed and energized by being out on a run. Leaves were dropping from trees and the smell of a new fire filled the air - this is what the fall is all about to me.

I decided to pick up the tempo on my run in the 2nd & 3rd miles...this really kicked my butt since it was a pretty hilly course. I ran two more miles at about 60% of my race pace, I just didn't have a lot left. With my street in sight, I was ready to finish today's run. I started out wanting to run a little farther, but settled for the quality rather than the quantity.

Tomorrow is always another day!

Busy Day

It's funny how much things can change in just a couple of hours. Yesterday morning, I was up at 5am to go for a run. Beautiful, warm morning...worked up a pretty good sweat for just 5 miles. By mid-morning at work, the temperature had dropped 20 degrees and we were in the 40's. It was nice to have a relaxing run in shorts and a tee-shirt (probably my last for this year).

Last night was the semi-final playoff in football for Platte County. The Pirates only lost one game all season and were going head-to-head with the Grain Valley Eagles. The Eagles are a very big team and have two very speedy running backs. The game went back and forth all night until the final seconds of the game. The score was 21 to 21 and the Pirates had the ball with about 20 seconds left when the QB tried a pass that was tipped and the Eagles recovered and got the ball on their 15 yard line. With four seconds left, they kicked a field goal and that was the end of a very good game. Next year, the Pirates move up in their division and begin playing 4A teams - this will be a real test; we expect them to have a few more losses.

Shallen played in the marching band last night and they gave their final performance. It's onto swimming now for her.

Stephan is working quite a bit to put a new engine in his car; against my wishes, he chose to quit wrestling in favor of work to get his car fixed quicker. I was really looking forward to seeing him wrestle for Oak Grove this year.

A fun thing happened at the game last night...I ran into an old friend from High School, Kerry McCarter, she was their with her husband and two small boys. She sent me a big package last year when I was in Kuwait...it was very nice to see her and meet her husband.

Another Disappointing Football Sunday

Let me just start by saying, it was an incredible day yesterday, weather wise, in Kansas City. The trees are slowly dropping their leaves, the rich colors of fall are everywhere and to top it off, we are still wearing short sleeved shirts in mid-November. This all being said, The Chiefs need to find an offense! We even switched quarterbacks, which didn't add the spark that many, including myself, thought it would. Priest Holmes showed signs of his old self in the first half and into the second...then the coaching staff gave up on the run. Where do they expect to use play action when they take away the run. Denver covered for the pass the rest of the game, and did a very good job at it since that was all that was being played. OK, I don't feel better but am ready to move on.

My daughter Erin and grand-daughter Morgan stopped by for a brief visit last night and I got to spend my time watching The Wizard of Oz with Morgan planted in my lap...what a wonderful night!

I've wasted two good days with no running...I'll need to get out in the morning and get some miles in before going to work. Have a great day and enjoy life!

Kansas City Fall

What a beautiful day in Kansas City! I spent time in the yard most of the day getting it ready for winter. Had a couple of trees that needed to be pruned back and with day-light savings time kicking in, the weekends are the only time I will be able to mow the lawn (I hate it when I come home in the dark from work - I feel like my day is finished at 5:30)!
The highlight of my day was taking Shallen out to learn to drive my truck - standard transmission. This was one of the first vehicles my dad made me learn to drive. He always said, "If you can drive a manual, you can drive anything!" With Shallen's car sitting in the driveway (it's a long story involving a wreck and listening to an iPod - needless to say, it will never happen again), this is a necessity!
She did an excellent job! She only killed the truck three times - she picked it right up! She was very proud of herself. This will allow her to get back and forth to work to make the money to get her car fixed. I hope she's as focused on getting that done as she was on learning to drive my truck. She'll be fine - she's still a kid and trying to get her independence faster than Stephanie or I want her to!
Hope your day was everything you wanted...I know mine was pretty darn good!

Life's a Journey...

As a kid in Jr. High (mid-70's), I loved sports. My problem was, I was too small for everything. Football, too small; baseball, never tried it; basketball, forget it...I was way too small. I tried out for the track team my 8th grade year - everybody was faster, and I ran sprints. I stuck it out and completed the season not sure if I'd ever run again.

During the summer before my 9th grade year something happened - I grew, not a lot, just enough to compete with the other folks. In the Spring, I returned to the track. This year, I ran in front of the pack and let others eat my dust. This was the beginning of my love for running. It was something I could do, and do well. A good friend of mine always tells me it was genetic (my dad was also a runner in high school). I had the muscular legs...I actually looked like a runner instead of these guys who look like they just walked out of a concentration camp - I actually had meat on my bones.

Running was my way to get away from troubles and allowed me to think...it still is! I hope to make this blog about my experiences as a runner, a christian, and all the things that are important to me and my family. My family includes my two beautiful grandaughters, my four wonderful kids (who I am very proud of), my brother's and sister who I am fortunate enough to see on most holidays, my mom who is always there and ties this family together, my family in California and New Mexico, my family around the Kansas City area, my mother-in-law who has made me feel a part of that family since I came into it four years ago, my brother's and sister's-in-law who make me a part of their lives every chance they get and my beautiful wife who reminds me each and every day just how much she loves me and can't wait to spend the rest of her life with me! I am truely blessed by God to have such an incredible family to anchor my every move in life.

Stick around, the fun is just starting!