Still milking the triathlon!! When you accomplish a goal, you can milk it too!!!

So how long can I milk the whole - triathlon thing? is that what you are all wondering? Well, as long as I want I decided! lol

we are recruiting more insane women do come and do the triathlon with us next year.... Going to have t-shirts made up with the following quote.

"If it were easy, then everyone would do it. The Hard is what makes it great!"
Tom Hanks, A League of Their Own

I just love that quote. This year we saw many woman with the following quote, "The Miracle isn't that I finished, The Miracle is that I began" I can't remember who said the quote - but that is a great quote too! So sums up how I felt this year.

In November I will be running a 1/2 marathon. For me this is even bigger deal than the triathlon, see I have not really ever been a runner. However, that is about to change! I have a program I have started on - 12 weeks. In October I think I am going to do a 10k for the UW Dog Dash. It is about 1/2 the distance (6.2 miles) of a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles)- so that should help me to gauge how well I am doing on my training! I like setting these goals, it is keeping me focused and keeps me excitted about working out. For the first time in a few years - I wore a bathing suit, and felt really good about myself. Am I model thin? No, I will probably never be a size 4 and that is ok. I am happy with myself and that is what matters. To me setting a goal and accomplishing it makes me happy and proud of myself. The thought of a 1/2 marathon is terrifying. But I figure if it was easy - well then everyone would do them! So the quote really fits this new goal too. Anyway - that is what is happening for now.

While I usually look forward to summer ending - this year I am savoring everylast sunny day! For the first time in a long time I don't want summer to end! I can feel fall coming on, and I will welcome it soon. But for now I am enjoying the warm sunny days and getting outdoors as much as possible before the rain comes!!

Here are some more wonderful pics of the triathlon - these were taken by the official triathlon photgraphers.


My mom and I at the finish line! It is not a pretty picture of me - however I love my mom's enthusiasm it makes me smile....





Liz at the finish line.







Riding along Lake Washington Blvd. Do I look like a pro or what? I didn't know before doing the ride if I would ever want to do a triathlon again, so I purchased the cheapest helmet I could find.... so it didn't fit too great - I think it was crooked the whole ride... so I will be investing in a little bit better helmit this next year!

End of summer fun!

Today we went innertubing!

Here is Detrix showing off his skills!






Even little John got to go tubing!







Here's dad.






We had my brother's boys (Uncle John) with us for the weekend so this is Tyler (they are identical twins) on the tube.








This is Nick.

More about the triathlon! Still going off of the high of it!

Girl Power!










me and the kids!











Grandma Pris and friend Suzy "aka the pope" after the triathlon.









Liz and I at the "triathlon after party"!!

** Triathlon women **

I was always the wanna be athlete. All my friends we very athletic all made varsity in highschool and were on select sports teams. My roommates at the University of Washington all had scholarships. Then there was me. I tried. I played but I never quite had that finesse or coordination to make it to the top of my game. So recently while on our cruise in Feb I mentioned that I wanted to do a triathlon. Let me give you some back ground, we were on the cruise with Liz and Foster - literally eating non stop for 7 days. I think it was on about day five at dinner after eating two appetizers a main course and probably two desserts that I bring up the triathlon dream. Ofcourse Foster laughs. We all laughed, but something inside me went off, I can really do a triathlon. So the goal was set and the training begun. Because Foster and Liz were living in Austin, Texas I dawned the Longhorn hat to keep me motivated. So today as I passed the finish line dawning the long horn cap - I say thank you to Foster for the motivation. Team YBC (Young Brooks Cotton) accomplished the goal!











The pre race picture! We can do it ladies!!










Starting out on the bike - very nervous, but I know I can do this! One of my goals was to not get passed by an "old lady" however - on the last hill as I was shifting down and ready to cry - an "old lady - in the 70-79 age group" passed me and it helped me to keep going. I actually laughed and picked up the pace on the hill. As she was passing me she said " you can do it, almost there!" I thought to my self yes I can! I must admit this wasn't the typically old lady - she was in great shape and fast too!!








After crossing the finish line we had to have a pic together.







Liz and I at the finish!

The trip from ..... Austin to Seattle.

The day Derrick was to fly out to Austin to help Foster drive the truck and trailer to Seattle. The terrorist's plot had been thwarted. (You know the new terrorist plot that was suppose to take down planes bound for the US) So Derrick got to deal with amazingly long lines at the airport for security, and due to the security issues - the plane left Seattle late. For some reason they didn't hold the connecting flight and he missed the connection by 10 minutes... after an hour in the customer service line - he did wined up on another plane - bound for Dallas. It was in Texas and not too far out of the way so Derrick got on the plane and Foster started driving from Austin. It was 3am in the morning.




The second day of the trip didn't start out too well...





the following happened....
Will duct tape fix this Derrick?








hmmm this doesn't look right. Notice the tire behind the blown tire.... um going flat again!






Then they came upon a fatality acccident that had just happened. Derrick well, being a chaplain got out and offfered his assistance. Due to the location of the accident though there was no one there but the injured to help out with. A chaplain is called out on a scene of a death when there is family or friends to help them deal with the devestating news of the loss.
I put this picture up because I find it amazing that the helicopter landed in the middle of the road.








Derrick and Foster finally made it to Reno. They spent the night here and tried to recoop from their day!

Road Trip - man style!

This is the biggest cross in the western hemisphere!!













The guys came across this road side attraction.













Derrick looking at the buffalo - this is what happens on a long road trip - you don't let anyone else take the pics you do it all yourself!













Foster ... looking at buffalo












oh look buffalo - maybe we should have a burger! Oh Buffalo is great.
















Foster had to make sure the Jeep was still on the trailer. Kind of an important thing.
















As Derrick says this is what he looked at the whole trip!

Elvis

Since today marks the anniversary of Elvis's death. I thought I would pay tribute to him by dawning the Elvis suit w/detachable cape. Having a 3 1/2 year old taking pics of me is a little difficult but I think you get the jist of what I looked like (John too)! Thought I would have some fun today!









Graceland mansion is located at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard, in Memphis Tennessee. Convenient.

Elvis stayed up all night on the 16th. He had entertained friends, played the piano and sang, and even played racquetball in the early morning, just before, um, retiring around 8am. His fiancée, Ginger Alden, was staying with him, but sleeping in a different room. She was the last person to see him alive.





1977: Elvis is dead - long live the king
Elvis Presley died in his Memphis mansion on 16 August 1977, at the age of 42.
The iconic status he achieved in his lifetime coupled with a sudden and relatively early death cemented his position as one of the most famous rock stars ever.

Most people love a conspiracy theory, and the undisputed king of rock'n'roll has been the subject of more than a few, many of them variations on the theme of his faked death and continuing incognito existence.

But even if the music legend is not actually with us in the flesh and blood, his spirit still lives in his music - and the lucrative impersonation industry.



The King had 149 songs hit the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States -- 114 of them in the Top 40 and 18 as No. 1s.

Are you a light unto the World?

Today I was thinking about many of my friendships. I am friends with all kinds of poeople. Some married, some single, some older than me, some younger than me. Some are christians some are not. It made me think about most christians today just stick to their church friends. They are not out seeking other friendships. It says in Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden" Don't just hide out with your christian friends from church. Befriend those that may need to see some light. After all being friends with someone who is not a christian is not a bad thing. Maybe you can set a good example for them, maybe they want to have what you've got. I am not talking about preaching at every person you think is not a christian, where would that get you? That would get you the look of your just another crazy christian, trying to convert everyone to your beliefs. No, go out and truly let your light shine. After all where was Jesus, hanging out with sinners, prostitutes, thieves. Why? Because he loved people. That is my challenge to you all - Are you hiding in a cave? or are you letting your light shine?

Go let your light shine!

Empowered People

Our pastor taught on living an empowered life. Here are a bit of the highlights from what he said today. It really spoke to me and was on par with what I have been going through recently, so I thought I would share - - -



How to live an empowered life...



1.) Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated.

Are you being tolerated in your friendships, at work at church? Don't allow your self to be tolerated, go where you are celebrated. Why be around people that don't want you around, or just tolerate you being there. Go to where people are happy to have you there, and happy to have you in their life.

2.) You don't have to justify who you are to people.

As long as you have a relationship with God, and our talking to God then why feel the need to justify your self to people. As long as you are doing the right thing, there is no need to have to justify. Your fruit should show who you are. If you have no fruit, then maybe you need to look at your relationship with God. When you are blameless to God, confessing your sins to God then there is fruit in your life.

Our pastor told a story of someone that told him years ago - he wasn't a real pastor, because he didn't condemn people. Our pastor said well good. thank you for the complement. He lives an empowered life. No need to justify who he was to that person.


3.) When you give up your life for God, you truly have a life.

When you live your life for someone other than yourself, for a higher purpose and a higher calling then you are truly living life. When you can give up your life for the calling that God has on your life then you will truly live. God's plan for our lives is way better than what we can picture for our own lives, so live God's full calling on your life. Listen to that small still voice in side of you.

**pastor told his own story here on his family** I added my own story!
I would give up my life for my husband and three kids in a heart beat. I wouldn't think twice. If my child could live, I would freely give me life. When Derrick was in the hospital I would have given anything to have it be me laying there and not him. I would have sacrficied my life it meant he wouldn't have to go through that pain. To truly give up your life for someone, is actually very freeing. To give up your life for the life God has planned for you is the most freeing at all.


I just loved what he had to say today - Truly spoke to me - I have had a hard time with just one of the steps lately, and it helped me to put that hard time to rest. Truly living a empowered life is who I am. Shouldn't we all live an empowered life?

Thanks for listening!
EM

I will praise you through this storm

This is a picture of Derrick in the hopsital the day they finally moved him out of Harborview and over to Swedish. He didn't want me to take the pic - but I did anyway.

Some have you have heard the story...

Derrick asked me to go and get him the Casting Crowns CD with the song Praise you Through the Storm. So I had bought it, when Derrick got transferred to Swedish, I had brough the CD player over but had not plugged it in. A couple of nights before Derrick got healed, someone had plugged in the CD player. Well we are not positive who turned on the CD -(we now think we know who the culprit is!) but the player got turned on and the song Priase you through the storm was put on. and repeat was pushed. Derrick could not reach the CD player as it was a few feet away - and well he couldn't move. His call button got dropped so he couldn't call a nurse for help - so there he sat. This particular night was a rougher night for Derrick he was angry at the situation he was in, he had spent the previous day with the family, and was angry that he couldn't hold John and little Josie like he wanted to... He was just angry at everything...

Then he listened to the song, over and over and over. By about 3-4 hours into hearing the song over and over God had started to chip away at his heart. Slowly he released his anger to God. About 5 hours into the song playing over and over, Derrick began to praise God. "I will worhip you no matter my circumstance, if this is the way I am to be, then I will still worship you" said Derrick.

Here is the song lyrics. Hope this blesses you.

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now, God You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Looking back

Well it has been over a month since Derrick was healed and came home from the hospital. I must say I have gone through many many emotions since he has come home. Mostly I have been very happy and beyoned amazed.

What has been upsetting to me is how I personally just kind of got back into a regular life routine. I am upset because I have just been a part of a miracle. A real life miracle and yet I some how just go back into this same every day routine. I talk to God many times a day. I do what our pastor calls "quick prayers" through out the day. When I think about God, or a situation I may be in or someone else is going through, I offer up a "quick prayer" I give it to God and then go about my day. I feel that my life should not just be the same life it was, nor do I want it to be. I know what I am to do with the situation, and I am starting to do what I believe God is calling me to do. Ofcourse it takes time for what I see happening in my life and in Derrick's to come to pass. I don't want to be impatient. Just like Derrick in his healing. I knew it was going to be happen it is being patient and waiting for the healing. Not getting discouraged. So I guess I am saying I am happy to be fulfilling my call in life. It is not something new for me - this situation has just given me more boldness then ever before. I have always loved people and helping people. (that is why we have had around 29-30 people in our home) I feel now though it has just stepped up a notch, in the way I minister to people.

I have never been ashamed to call myself a christian. I just didn't want to get mixed up with some of the christian that forget they aren't suppose to judge people. I am not here to judge anyone. I want people to know that you can be an ordinary person yet live a miraculous life. I am living a truly miraculous life. My husband literally died and was gone for over 96 seconds. He not only was brought back to life, but was healed from paralyzation in a way that Dr's couldn't explain. To watch that healing take place makes me want to see miracles everyday. It makes me excitted to see God's work in other people. I want to help release people from strong holds in their lives. To let people know that God is REAL. God is there just talk to him. Tell him your hurts, your heart's desire. He wants to hear it. Even though he already knows your heart's desires. He craves that intamacy, that closeness, that time with just the two of you. Bring all your worries to him. No matter how little, how big. Give them to the Lord. They are not ours to carry.

When Derrick was in the hospital I was upset over something that had happened with family. But I had to go before God and lay it down, I had to hand the situation up to Him. I couldn't carry that burden. I truly believe in being blameless and leading a righteous life. Am I perfect, well no. But it says in the Word to pick up your cross daily. So to me that means every day you have to work on your relationship with God. The disciples weren't perfect and they literally walked with God. How could I be perfect? To be blameless though is something I can be. To go before God daily and to tell him my thoughts, to ask Him to forgive my sins. And well yes I do that. I kind of laid low when Derrick got back from the hospital, tried to just take some time to sort everything out. It is a lot to go through to almost lose your husband. It has however made me greatful for each day. that is why I don't want to live each day as I used to taking it for granted. I am living life to the fullest, and live each day with no regrets. Offering up my life to the Lord, to live in his calling.

A friend recently emailed me saying that her family lives there life "outloud", and with that comes judgement. It made me think. We too live our lives "outloud" for others to see, and with that comes criticism and other things. My friend had told me you just have to know what to let bounce off of you, and what to bring to God. So I want to say thank you for the advice. It really helped me to put a recent situation with others in check.

I feel that I have truly had some amazing times and some amazing in encounters with God through this situation with Derrick. If you are going through a hard time of any kind, please feel free to let me know about it. You may be suprised to find out I have some Words of Wisdom to give to you.

Thanks for listening.

By the way - Derrick and I have started writing a book.
really how could we not? we have been through so much! (beyond the last month! lol)


Emily

Seiku 2006

Every year we head off to Seiku, this year we pulled Grandpa's boat with our expedition ( I did!! ) Grandpa and Derrick did a bike trip around the peninsula on their Harley's. Everyone made it safe and we had a great time! Here are some pics.


Some of our crew catch! Fishies! Fishies everywhere!!








Little John was so excitted that he got a "fish" so he wanted to take a picture of with the fish. Until we got him next to the fish then well he wasn't so excitted. You see when dad was on the boat and caught a fish, he ended up getting hooked, and the hook went into his finger... so John thought the fish had hurt dad, after all there was blood involved. So when it went to getting near the fish, John wasn't having it. This was the closest John got. When you are fishing for salmon you can't just catch any type of salmon you have to thoroughly examine the salmon before taking it, typically you can look with out netting the fish, but when the waves start to have white caps on them and the swells are 4- 5 feet well you can't just lean over the boat, so you have to net them, then un hook them and release if they are the wrong kind. So that is how he got "hooked". It is about every 4-5 fish you catch to one you can keep. So fun yet irritating that you getin a fish and are all excitted, but you can't keep it! oh well fun non the less.









This is Derrick pushing off the dock, launching the boat to go out fishing. In this picture you can see about half the town. Very excitting town, everyone there that lives there seems to be a bit grumpy - you would think they would be happy just to have visitors... but maybe they just like the peace and quite, with out us foreigners in there!












I have tried to remember to take pictures of the town of Seiku over the past few years, but as with the other years I didn't do it... if you look in the back of this picture - you are actually looking at Clallam Bay. About a mile away from Seiku.

The Beach

Last week, when Derrick went to Chicago and St. Louis Liz and I at the last minute decided to go to the beach. At that time she was still waiting to get he house back! Now she is back in it, so we are sad to have her not stay with us anymore.

Ocean Shores was fun, ofcourse it was 95' here, and then when we got the beach it clouded over. Go figure. We had a very relaxing time. Played with the kids drank some wine, nice and relaxing. Just the way the beach should be! Kids were a mess, but had great fun playing in the sand.



This is Hobo dog! He had so much fun running around on the sand, he wore himself out. We have had Hobo since Aug of 99! We love him so much, I think he is a very spoiled dog! He recently got a quick doggie massage - now that is the life!



Here is john Isaac playing with his kite. The first day we ruined a dolphin kite, then the next day we got a spederman kite to actually fly!







This is Josie as she looked like almost the whole time we were on the beach. For some reason she liked to stick her head in the sand! She is a little osterich!












Here is Liz, and my sand stuck to her face child... As she was eating sand I thought to myself, pure genuis this child is... lol