Big Daddy was running in his very first Half Marathon.
What a beautiful morning.
The sun was shining, for a while anyway.
Aunt Gayle ran in the race too.
She's a Rock Star!
This military guy ran while carrying 100 pounds.
I don't know why.
But we waited at the finish line to cheer for him.
He looks pretty darn good for having just done all that!
The kids enjoyed being there cheering for their dad.
"What I learned today.. Running is hard, doesn't matter your age.. it takes physical training, a proper diet, discipline, a good support system, and a whole lot of inner strength. Runners really earned my respect today.. Congrats to all of those who call themselves runners!!" ~Big Daddy
They are home.
And okay.
Both returning to work today.
Good GOOD news!
I've got even MORE good news!
Remember our friend Molly?
If you don't know about Molly, go read her story Here and Here.
She returned to school today!
She's only going two days a week for now.
Little by little she's getting back into the swing of things.
Photo Credit: Allison Ogden
All she's been talking about, even when she couldn't speak, was to be back with her friends.
I hope it was everything she anticipated it to be, and more.
I am so very happy for the Molly Ogden family!
The world lost not one, but two historically lovely ladies. Margaret Thatcher and Annette Funicello.
Both women known to the world for their remarkable lives. Very different, but still remarkable none the less.
Photo by Google
When I started working at Baker University, I was mesmerized by the beautiful campus and the history behind it. One of the first buildings to capture my attention was the Osborne Chapel.
In May of 1995, it was moved here from Sproxton, England, stone by stone, with each stone carefully labeled, and shipped to the United States. When the chapel was reopened, the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher came for a visit. You see, her father, a grocer in Grantham, England, had been a preacher who had occasionally preached in the chapel. And, on occasion, his daughter Margaret would be with him.
If interested, learn more about the Chapel's history Here.
Of course, I knew of Margaret Thatcher before I started working here. It wasn't until after seeing the chapel for myself, and hearing stories, and learning about her authentic self; that I really learned what she was all about. I think she was a great leader, she was a determined woman, she was someone who had a vision, a purpose; and went after that purpose.
"As a grocer's daughter who rose to become Britain's first female prime minister, she stands as an example to our daughters that there is no glass ceiling that can't be shattered," ~President Obama
I read somewhere that weak women are less attractive. I don't know that I completely agree with that statement. I guess I've been surrounded by strong women my whole life. My grandmother was the matriarch of the family with only a high school education. She was strongly opinionated, clever, and successful. My mom married out of high school, raised a family, then returned to graduate college with a class including very few women. Margaret Thatcher was called the Iron Lady because of her tough approach in dealing with opposition.
Photo Credit: Baker University
Since learning of her passing, I've been thinking a lot about what I've learned from this extraordinary woman and the qualities that make a strong woman.
Intelligence
I believe everyone is blessed with some form of intelligence, whether it's traditional book smarts, creative smarts, or street smarts. A sharp woman knows when she's being taken advantage of. Margaret Thatcher had the intellect to run an entire country on her own and back up any arguments.
Honesty
It's sometimes easier to lie than it is to be honest about everything. Honesty is the number one thing I look for in a woman. It's endearing, and it makes it easier for me to trust her. Make no mistake about it, The Iron Lady was brutally honest.
Ambition
There are many forms of ambition - a lawyer works hard, but so does a stay-at-home- mom (believe me, I know). Drive and hard work are admirable... and two things I wish I did better. Margaret Thatcher was born the daughter of a grocer, their family lived above the grocery store. She later graduated from Oxford University, and in time became the first (and so far the only) female Prime Minister of Britain when women were better seen and not heard.
Passion
Passion goes along with ambition, but it also adds to personality. The women in my family are a toxic mix and it makes them passionate about their points of view and the things they love. Passion = loyalty. Margaret Thatcher took personal responsibility for her own actions. It's important to learn the power to say "No". A woman in control can say "no" to bad influences. Margaret Thatcher was uncompromising in politics and in her leadership style. She single handily saved her country.
Girls today could get whiplash from all the mixed messages about themselves, their rights, and their abilities.
What I wish for my daughter: I wish for her to be Powerful.
Photo by: Google
My vision is this: I see a girl who grows up feeling secure in herself. I see a girl who can take action, make positive choices about her own life and doing positive things for others. She can think critically about the world around her. She can express her feelings and acknowledge her feelings and thoughts of others in caring ways. This powerful girl feels good about herself and grows up with a "can-do" attitude. Of course, like all of us, she will have times of insecurity and self-doubt, but those feelings won't keep her down because she has learned to work through her struggles, learn from them, and move on. I see a girl who grows up to lead a full, valuable, and rewarding life.
This is my vision for you Carody Franklin.
Like any mother, I wish only the best for you... but most of all I wish for your happiness. Hey, isn't that a song or something? Anyway, I love seeing the look of true enjoyment in your eyes. THAT's what makes you authentically beautiful.
These are my thoughts, jumbled as they may be. Mixed emotions and hope for the future. Lead every day by example... you never know who's watching.
We've been patiently waiting the arrival of Spring.
So much so that we made a stop at Sonic for drinks.
Nothing says summer like Sonic!
Easter Sunday was absolutely Beautiful!
The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the birds were singing.
Kind of like in Snow White when all the animals sing.
We had smoked ham, homemade mac & cheese, green beans, and it just wouldn't be Easter without my very own deviled eggs....and pineapple upside down cake for desert.
It was soooo good!
We had a guest join us for dinner. Her name is Gloria and she's a Baker student.
She is beautiful, talented, nice, wonderful, loving, caring, creative, smart ....I could just go on and on about this girl.
Anyway...Gloria recently went to England.
I wanted to hear all about it.
Baker University offers a fantastic Study Abroad Program.
The most popular is the Harlaxton program in Grantham, England.
Students live and study for a semester in a Victorian manor.
Immersing themselves in British history, literature, political theory and business.
Photo Credit: Baker University
Isn't it dreamy?
I would LOOOOVE to go there someday.
I really wanted to hear all about her experience.
I really Really wanted my kids to hear first hand about it.
After listening to Gloria, Carody now seems to have the next few years planned out.
Or at least she's begining to think about her choices.
I think the wheels started turning in Caden's head too.
It would absolutely BLOW My Mind if my kids got to do this.
Carody had her Spring Choir Concert at school.
This cute little gal is her BFF from always...McKayla.
They've been friends ever since they started school.
I like that.
It's been a real treat watching them grow up together.
Enjoy your weekend.
I hope the weather is beautiful and you can get outside.
Take lots of pictures and share them with me. K!?
