Such Things

Vancouver First Half

A beautiful day for a beautiful run.

with great friends,

and my family.



I was happy with my overall time and was excited to be a part of this event!!

Everything April

Taken with my phone on a morning run on the dike.

Same place next day with the family.

I think April is quickly becoming one of my favourite months, especially when the weather is as nice as it has been.  We had a wonderful, relaxing weekend with friends, runs, bikerides and some spring cleaning and yard work.

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Sun Run

It was a gorgeous day in Vancouver yesterday.

Joined with about 45,000 other people I ran the Sun Run by parts of Stanley park, past English Bay and over the Burrard St. bridge.  We ran into many friends, students and colleagues. 

Proud to say that I completed it in 51minutes after much dodging and swerving.

Can't live in Vancouver without attending at least one Sun Run. 

Hope you were out doing something you enjoyed this weekend!

I Love Where I Live

I mentioned some time ago that we moved last spring.  We used to live in a neighbourhood that was nestled next to the Coquitlam River.  

We had our little river bank spot that we would visit each season and the woods that we would take walks in. 

Realizing how much we love nature, we moved to a place where we are still next to the woods and the river, 

and even more nature, abundant nature. 

It feels a bit like the countryside.

It feels like living in a kind of sanctuary.

In the past we spent time on the weekends adventuring to new places,

but lately, we've just been out exploring our place.  Our new place. 

Biking, walking, running.

Completely overwhelmed with the beauty around us.

The house we are building is coming along well too.  Have a peek at Mark's blog: The Build for more details.

Have an amazing week!

Terry Fox Run: 30 Year Anniversary

It's hard to believe that thirty years ago, Terry Fox started his journey to find a cure for cancer. 

Ten years ago, Mark and I ran in the Terry Fox run in Kuwait. It's put on by the Canadian Embassy. 
Now, we are so proud to actually be living in the same town that Terry grew up in.

Terry followed a dream and he is always a huge inspiration.  I hope we can continue to keep Terry's dream alive for many years to come.

Growing Tulips

We didn't make it to the Tulip festival this year, so I'm enjoying my own tulips instead. 

Last autumn, I planted a bunch of bulbs, but the squirrels had a feast on the bulbs and only a few came up here and there. 

This year I tried to outsmart the squirrels

by planting chicken wire on top of the bulbs, and...

it worked!!

I alternated the tulips with muscari and it looks great. 

On a completely separate note, I felt so happy completing my marathon in 3:57 today (that's me in the peach shirt).  I ran one other marathon in 2003 when Miranda was just a baby in 3:50.  It was raining today and I developed a massive blister that was really painful, but it was a great run anyways and  invigorating running with so many other people. 

Hope you have a great start to your week!

What's Happening here...

There's a lot going on around here right now!  Exciting, somewhat stressful, busy and embarking on some new adventures. 

As some of you may know, we are in the process of selling our house, which we have owned since my husband and I were first married.  Shortly after we got married, Mark and I went overseas to travel Europe, Egypt, Israel, Jordan and then we settled in Uganda, Africa for several months to do some missionary work as volunteer teachers.  When we arrived back to Canada, we bought this house that we fell in love with twelve and a half years ago.

Recently (three years ago) we completed a full renovation, tearing the house down to the bones and rebuilding with an extra room, ensuite and a whole new look. 

This is when I discovered a passion that I have for designing and decorating.  Overall I loved the process and the transformation.  Now we are feeling ready to sell and begin a new journey with regards to our housing.  I'll keep you updated and a bit in suspense...

I have also been training for the Vancouver marathon which is already coming up this weekend. I've been running each weekend with a couple of girlfriends which has made for an enjoyable time, despite challenging runs that can really test my endurance.

Amidst all of the larger plans, is my continued quest to find contentment in each moment, even the small moments. The weather has had it's good share of sunny days, and I enjoy being outside in the backyard with the rice table,

with my class, learning to watch and listen to nature,

or just watching and admiring my kids.  In all things, seeking after God in the process.

Here's the verse that came up on our daily verse card today and it's one of my favourites:

"Through God nothing is impossible."  Luke 1:30

Hope you enjoy your week!

I Love the 2010 Olympics

I'm typing this post while watching the Olympic ice dancing.  AND THE CANADIANS JUST WON A GOLD YEAH- HOO!!  It's been so exciting being in the midst of it all.  We headed into Vancouver again this Saturday to check out LiveCity Vancouver with some friends.  It was a gorgeous day, as the weather here has been like nothing I've ever experienced in Feb.  It feels more like it's May! 

We started out at LiveCity Downtown where we saw the Stanley Cup in the Canada Pavilion.  We also stepped into the Manitoba Pavilion which was proud to highlight one of their own, gold medalist Jon Montgomery, winner of men's skeleton.

Outside the library,

Then heading down to Robson Street,

We ended near the art gallery again, in the center of the action.  The kids got a glimpse of the Olympic mascots ice skating in the Robson ice rink,

and there were people flying by overhead on the zip-line.

With the cherry trees already in blossom, it could not have been more beautiful and a perfect way to show the world our wonderful city. 

On Sunday, I was also proud to run a half marathon in the beautiful Old Fort Langley, with vistas of open field, mountains and heritage style homes.  

An all round amazing weekend, I must say. 

Go CANADA!!!!

Frosty Glory

I must say, I just love a bright winter day, and you know,

thick frost can be just as beautiful as snow.

One morning I went out for a run, and then I headed back with my camera. 

On days like these I can't help but think of God and his glory.  I thought I heard a quote that said, the most important thing about a person is how they think of God. 
 

A lot of people relate to God as Father, and I can see and understand that a bit, but what I really understand is God the Creator.  When I get out into nature, I get a real sense of who God is.

I understand what it is to create something beautiful and to want to treasure and protect it, and that's how God feels about us,

our children and every person on earth.

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
       the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

  Day after day they pour forth speech;
       night after night they display knowledge."

Psalm 19:1-2

Why Run?

A long, long, long, long time ago, I commented on a blog post about running.  The author wrote back and asked me, "why do you run?"  I thought I'd answer her now in this post.

Running is a cheap and easy sport.

You can run anywhere, anytime, 

any season, any weather,

alone,

or with friends.

It gets you out into nature.

You can go far and fast.

You can take your child on a mini adventure.

You can converse,  You can compete,

You can listen to tunes,

You can enjoy it and feel that rush.

In my opinion, it's the closest thing to flying.

"When I run, I feel God's pleasure", Eric Liddel, Chariots of Fire

If you haven't guessed yet, I really like running.  It's the best form of exercise there is.

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary; and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. 

They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:27-31

Happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends!