My Shoes, My Shoes, My lovely Running Shoes...

Heredes [read his Utterz interview] and I have started to train with Debby Malivuk- our Global Worship Pastor's Assistant- who is an extreme athlete.  She runs, swims in the ocean, has done the Iron Man in Australia, and well, her and her husband are beasts.  

We started last Monday at Vista View Park here in Cooper City at 6:30 am.  We both ran a little over 2 miles non stop.  And we have kept on running at the gym everyday last week.  

To run without getting hurt you need good running shoes and good running shoes we bought. Debby took us to a store where they check your feet, tell you what type of foot you have, and then you test the shoes on a tred mill.  I photographed them for all to see, because I really like them. :)  

Today was a very exciting day because not only did we run 2 miles non stop, but Debbie had us run another lap. So 4 miles in total- non stop!!!  

Heredes has really been stepping it up on the discipline side- physically, spiritually, mentally... and he is really helping me see that I need to "get ready" (thank you Pastor Troy) and step it up while I'm living in this world to do and reach my God potential.  

Bragging about my Husband...

This is past due, but it is never to late to brag on the one you love. Last week, on Thursday, Heredes flew out to Texas. He was able to help for two days during Extreme Week. On Wednesday, he left early from EW because he had to "pack". When I got home, I was so stinkin' exhausted. I smelled [what do you expect- it's camp], my feet felt like giant elephant feet, and I was hungry.
So, this is were my husband's awesome love kicks in. He took me straight to our bedroom and there he set up a lovely candle light dinner. [we have guest in our house, so that's why we ate in our room] He bought Macaroni Grill, Vitamin Water, dessert- mini Haagen Dazs strawberry ice cream & mini Nutella. We prayed, ate, and watched an episode of the Office. What a way to come home and relax, huh?!
I think there are times when people worry for us because we may be to busy or too tired, etc. and may think we never have time for each other. First, I want to thank those who ask how we are doing and remind us to take care of our relationship- it's always good to check up on each other. But second, just wanted to let you guys know that God is so good to us and allows us, many times, to enjoy each other as husband and wife- as best friends. Things like what I just shared- those little things- are the positive points we put in each other's love banks. [that's what we are learning from the book, His Needs, Her Needs.]
Heredes and I don't want to leave our guards unattended, especially when it comes to our marriage. Our Celebration/Staff meeting on Monday reminded me of that. So, all your constant prayers for our marriage are so welcomed, because we know there is an enemy that roams around like a lion trying to devour whoever he can get. But the great thing is we have a Savior that protects His obedient children.- helping us, as we request, to be self-controlled and alert.
[1 Peter 5:8]

With that said, want to share a special & memorable moment where someone showed their love to you? [It can be a parent, sibling, spouse, friend, etc.] Let's share it here.

Extreme Week Rocked!!...

I've been away from the face of blog world because we had our Extreme Week camp last week.  Can I say T-Y-R-I-N-G but so W-O-R-T-H it!  There were about 24 kids and a little more than 25 volunteers.  There were volunteers serving in the kitchen making wonderful snacks, to tech & lighting team, the worship band, small group leaders, check in and resource table team, rec team, and awesome teaching team.  I cannot say thank you enough for everyone who made it possible.  The kid's team was there and a lot of other new faces were involved as well. In the process we were able to add a new team member to the FRC Kid's team at Doral.  

The kids had a blast as they Journeyed to the Deep.  [Deep standing for:  Decision, Equipment, Environment and Potential- the topics our kids learned about]  Each night after the teaching our kids had a theme night: team night, water night, messy night, and family night.  We closed the night off with a black light puppet show for the kids and family.  My friend ministers with her team through puppetry.  Each child and parent received a glow in the dark necklace and the message behind the puppet show, of Christ's love for us through the cross, was just awesome.  

I only have a few pictures and a snip bit video of our praise time.  Again, I can't say thank you enough for everyone who participated, every parent that trusted us, and for God to give us that opportunity to serve.  

The Olympics are Here...

Hope you all caught the opening ceremony to the 2008 Olympic games; it was incredible.  We had an opening game party at our home with my family.  There is something that I totally love about the summer and winter Olympics.  One of my favorite things about the  opening, besides the spectacular show, is each country walking in and representing.  I get emotional when I watch countries that have 1, 2, 4 athletes representing.  What an honor to represent your country- and knowing that you probably won't even win a medal.  It's so much more than winning a medal- though it is a great achievement- I think it's completing a goal; finishing the race strong.  I can't wait to see all the exciting moments these next few days will bring.  What a reminder to continue the race we have before us, finish strong- though we may stumble- and fall into the arms of our BEAUTIFUL, AWESOME SAVIOR AND DAD.  Goodnight from Beijing, I mean, goodnight from me and catch a couple of events.  For event schedule visit here. 

UGH- SICKNESS.

I'm here preparing for our Extreme Week camp for next week.  If you have kids going into 1st-5th grade- sign them up.  It's totally FREE and it is going to Rock.  See my previous post about time, dates, and location. 

With that said, I just wanted to talk about being sick.  It sucks!  I got another Nasty cold.  It began on sunday when we were vacuuming our room and tearing the tiles in our shower. [we are remolding due to nasty mold and crap]  Well, I think I'm allergic to dust- who isn't- and I woke up the next day with a horrible sore throat and now i can't stop coughing, blowing my nose, and feeling all achey.  

So out of curiosity, what do you guys do when you get sick?  What special techniques, products, or Mama remedies do you guys use when sick?  Let me know here and send a little prayer of healing for me.  :)   Thanks!

Vacation OVER....

Heredes and I had a phenomenal time on vacation.  Marco Island was chill and relaxing.  We tanned, sat on the shore of the beach, walked and ran on the beach, watched movies, read, and just enjoyed doing absolutely nothing.  

After we came back, we enjoyed celebrating my cousin's wife's birthday at Cheesecake Factory.  Saturday we attended a friends farewell party and then headed downtown to watch Slava's Snow Show. It was so fun! Great ideas for children's ministry.   After, we chilled at JohnMartin's Irish Pub, listening to live music and eating. [French Onion soup is my new obsession]  

Today we visited CF West Kendall- good stuff!!  After lunch, Heredes surprised me with a 1 hour massage.  Ahhh incredible.  Stopped by to visit my wonderful parents and then went home to clean, clean, clean.  It's midnight and vacation is over, but the fun keeps going as we start work and serving again.  Enjoy the pics!