The Relieved Runner

Well, three days into my vigorous 10k training (only one of which I actually ran) :-), I found out that they found someone else to fill the Hood-to-Coast spot.  So, I am now the relieved runner.  I’d still like to do the 10k training because I think it’d be a great way to motivate myself to get in shape, but it is definitely a relief to not have the race hanging over my head.  So, it’s bittersweet–I’m a little disappointed and a lot relieved. 

Today Dutch and I had an unexpected treat. Jeff asked to go to a church kids’ sports camp at a church in West Linn in order to get ideas for a similar camp at our church next summer.  My dad was supposed to go with him, but wasn’t feeling great, so this morning about 45 minutes before departure time I got a wild idea to pack Dutch up and go with Jeff, figuring Dutch and I could explore the West Linn parks while Jeff jotted down camp notes and helped kids with their form. 

What a great time!  We first went to a huge state park right along hwy 43, with trails that led all the way down to the river.  We went down to the river, which of course looks nothing like a river compared to the rushing rapids outside our back door, and more like a giant lake with water lapping up on the sandy beaches. But Dutch had a ball: “Whoa!”  was all he could say. After that park, we found a kid’s park compete with the works: slide, swings, climbing structure.  He could have stayed all day.  Gotta love parks. I sipped my Starbucks and thought about how I wanted to kiss whoever thought to create public play structures.  It had to have been a mom. 

Now we’re home.  Dutch is sound asleep in his new room, the sewing room.  We’re so excited to have my brother and his wife and their daughter coming tomorrow to stay here at Mom and Dad’s for the next three weeks.  So Dutch moved into the sewing room!  It’s really just a big closet, just big enough to hold a crib and room for a person sucking in their stomach to stand beside the crib.  It’s perfect for a toddler!  He’s loving the change of scenery and is sleeping great in there already.  Jeff and I have been just marveling at how good God is to let us spend the past year here.  I know I’ve complained a lot, and I do regret how often I’ve griped, because the truth is we have been so blessed here.  We’ve saved oodles of money, we’ve gotten to watch Dutch explore with awe and wonder the majestic outdoors complete with river, horses, dogs, tractors, pool, grass, trees, you name it.  And we’ve gotten to see Dutch develop an amazing relationship with his grandparents, Oma and Papa.  It’s definitely an unusual circumstance, but how sweet it’s been to see Dutch on the tractor with Papa or reading a special book cuddled on the couch with Oma.  Definitely memories we will treasure always.

So, how’s that for a post that all over the road? Relieved of running duty, enjoying parks, and thankful for our home.  Just a day in the life of Kari…thanks for reading.