HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELIJAH, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! - 10.28.08

Game plan:
Heidi = Food A+
Christian = Game A+
Melanie = Decoration A+
....mission accomplished!







I was there in an instant, the softest bear I've ever taken down. No bear is going to mess around with my boy. Ok, ok....Elijah took him down himself. (Great gift from grandma and grandpa Towar!)



Simply called, "The Fishing Game," it was a hit as they threw their line over the side of the "boat" and caught bags filled with goodies! (Goodies provided by Melanie!)





First one to get a good handle on the cake!







Toys, toys, and more toys, very little clothing, his kind of birthday party!

Special Visit from Tennessee

Christian's parents had an opportunity to spent a weekend with us in Cadillac, MI!


Great smile! This made my mom's day when she herself took this picture and made she we all knew she did!


Elijah with Lelo!


Sabbath afternoon outdoors! (Longest day of the week for Elijah! It shows!)





Cool walk in the Martin Park with our Fall Boy.


A rest on Abuela's shoulder.... nothing quite like it.

Wait 'til you hear my Fish Story....

The following pictures are approved by the FAMA as being genuine and authentic. Notation #3456835

One Long Victory Lap

With my final meal at the Pasta Bowl on Saturday night, I went to bed with the alarm set for 4:45 a.m. The long awaited Chicago Marathon would begin with the rising of sun.



Surrounded by flashes and personal questions, I had a press conference with my fan club of 6. I consumed my last Power Gel before the gun and quickly joined 33,033 other runners.





Pace. Pace. Pace. I ran with the 9 minute mile pace I trained with and despite temperatures rising into the 80s, the race did not suffer the same heat-related problems it did a year ago.







After turning onto Columbus Dr. for the final stretch and seeing the FINISH banner, my watch read 3:56:01. My goal of under-4 was very attainable! With legs drained and toes numb (literally), I hit the wall at 25 miles, but my brain was determined to finish.



45,000 registered - 33,033 started - 31,401 finished and I was officially 6061 overall with a finish time of 3:58:21!



Very few things in life beat ice bags on sore legs and a cool mist sprayed through huge fans from fire trucks.



A finishers medal for a marathon now hangs on my medal tree (more on that later). All these things only point forward to the imperishable reward that will be given to those who will love His appearing on the last day!

Thanks for your prayers! They were answered. Now I'm just searching for my next victim.... another 26.2 mile route.

Stay Tuned For More Details!

Motivation for the 31st Bank of America Chicago Marathon

October is when it all happens and it's also a time to remember. I'm dedicating this run to four.

One to Elijah. He was born in October a year ago. On October 28th he'll be one year old. From his nods, waves, to closed-eye grins, he is a great joy. I love him so much and I'm so thankful to God for my beloved boy.

One to Heidi. She survived some challenging times in October a year ago. On October 26th, a drunk driver hit her from the back and she ended up in the hospital. The very next day she began contractions and was strong and brave to make it through hours of pain. She was courageous as it was decided that it would be best if she had a C-section. She did and did incredibly well. I love Heidi so much. She is a most excellent mother and wife.

One to my mom. On October of 2003, God saved her life and she survived ovarian cancer. She was strong and brave to face uncertainty and various treatments. It was very difficult, but yet she kept her eyes on Jesus and always trusted in Him. It is a miracle that she is alive. I love her very much and she is a most excellent mom.

One to God. On October 14th, 2003, He saved my life from a terrible car accident. I was removed with jaws of life and was unconscious for 5 hours. We had impacted together intersecting at 60 miles per hour. 5 months later I was just as good if not better than the day before the accident. The car was left a bundle of twisted metal. I love God so much. He is so mercifully and always eager to manifest His love to me.

Motivation? Yes. I love all four very much and this run is for them.