Road Trippin: #3 Tri Syle

Before the race

On Sept 13 at approximately 9:15 AM we completed our first Sprint Triathlon. And for the most part loved it. Though it's kinda like being broken up with. When you're going through it, it sucks. And then afterwards you only remember and cling to the good, fond memories? Which you hope to repeat. Knowing that next time it won't hurt so bad? Luckily for relationships there's marriage. Unfortunately as far as triathlons go, I don't think I'll ever win.

We arrived to town in time to eat at The Cheese Shop (thanks Kara!), a Williamsburg must! Then headed to the hotel room to sit. For as long as possible. Come to think of it, I am really talented at pre-race and post-race day activities. Excellent sitter and sleeper! When we got to the hotel room it was huge, but my parents, who were meeting us there, were nowhere to be found! A while later we hear a knock on the door. We open the door to a huge cart full of gear and my parents. This is not unusual for my parents to overpack (for 1 night!!!!), but either way I yelled "Hey Mac, come look at how much stuff they brought!" Just then, Kim, baby Hannah, and Bella Cottontail jumped around the corner! It was the perfect surprise! We officially had a huge fan club!

Besides the race morning antics of forgetting the breakfast bananas, losing all the air in the bike tires--not knowing how to refill them, dropping the goggles by the car bc it was 6 am and pitch black.... the whole trip was a blazing success! The guys at work had bet that I could beat Mac. So Mac's pride made sure that didn't happen. But I promised my body if it would just swim this one time it would never have to swim again. If it could just bike me that far, I'd kiss the bike goodbye forever/give it back to Molly, and oh the run. Move legs, just for 3.1 miles, and then we will sit and bask in the glory that is Fall television. And I've been true to my word thus far. But just like a good break-up.....we might one day get back together!

A big thanks to our fans! Those who attended, sent care packages, and thought that I could win! (for those of you especially, check out the pic far left......can you even see me in the pic? Mac's transition station was that much closer to the action, read: finish line. It was rigged!)

After the race

*Other pics include Mac crossing the finish line (please use magnifying glass). Me in major freak out mode pre-swim. And baby Hannah thinking that she too needed to bend down to be in the frame.*

New found hope!

Last year when Obama kept promising hope. I knew we were all going to be disappointed. One man cannot bring hope. Hope must be found in Christ. (I guess I just negated my theory, but you know what I mean.) Around the election time when I listened to endless people interviewed on who they voted for and why. I'm pretty sure I lost all hope in the American public. But today. It is back. The kinda hope you can cling to. Thanks TLC. Thanks America. The UN meeting might have gone array. We were just about to give up. But you got it right!

Introducing (drum roll please!)...........

Tyler Banks Thomas.

I had to post this pic...... look at her! She's so beautiful! (And the baby is pretty cute too.) Growing up in a family with all girls. It's been tough for us to realize the boys have us way out numbered (though Blake did almost come through on the PF Changs vote last weekend)! But the boys just keep coming! First it was just poor daddy! Then Garo, Joe, Mac, Blake, Trey, and Tyler!

I've been calling sis, then mom, then other sis on a regular (somewhat crazy person-ish) schedule, to make sure that they weren't just forgetting to tell me any and all baby news (youngest child syndrome) On Thursday morning I got THE call!

Per our usual luck, baby arrived while we were air borne (happened already this year with nephew Brennan, read more about him on Road Trippin: #5).

However, post landing I got a VM from Betsy. She sounded so happy. Said that the labor was wonderful? Then got a call from Joe telling us the nurses didn't think she was ready to give birth bc she was laughing so hard? Then on the "arrival email" it said "after 12 hours of relatively pain free labor"? I'm pretty sure they are all in on a grand conspiracy to trick me into this baby thing. But know, I'm on to you people! And I was a bridesmaid many times before a bride. So I plan to be an auntie many, many times before a mom. Logically.

I get to meet Ty in 2 weeks! (Road trippin: #7 Nashvegas)

Big Bro Trey! (this tee was a gift from his best friend Haley. She watched him for 12+ hours and helped him pick out a special froggy for his new lil bro! So sweet!)

Food for Thought

Since I graduated college 2 years ago I have gone on 2 additional Spring Breaks. Hey, it's the way I roll. It sounds like the high life, but trust me, when I flew to Europe with a plane ticket so cheap the airline guy said even he couldn't get an employee discount that good, I stayed in hostels and passed up street vendor crepes. I'm not one to pass up any sweet. And I'm definitely not one who can tolerate a hostel bed. I promised myself I wouldn't go back till I could do it the "right way." I'm still searching for some extra Euros! The second trip was to East Asia with my sister and her hubby. It was so fun to be a part of their lives and special to go on a trip like this with them. Growing up I was always that little bit younger, so this was our first mission adventure together. I loved the trip, the new friends, and finding a Pizza Hut and Starbucks. In fact, Starbucks was one of my fonder memories of Europe as well. Judge away. I've digressed.

Part of this vision trip was to encourage the Americans who live in the city we visited and to lead beside them for a short time. We also had time for communal prayer and worship. We sang a song by Hillsong, "You Said". I always tell Mac that if he just sings the song to me I could probably be convinced I was being called to overseas missions. You know somewhere where I could still drive to see my mom. But the song really impacted me. To the point where when I was asked to share something special for my nephew Brennan's church dedication this weekend, I immediately thought of God's promise to heal the land and fill it with glory.

God speaks the loudest and clearest to me, when I start randomly hearing the same "tune"...from friends, scripture, in my heart, sermons, Bible studies. You know, those big coincidences? So today as I was writing to Brennan and meditating on the words of the song. I received an email. A forward. Who does those anymore? Let's be honest. But alas, the forward is pasted below. (Apparently I do those.) When I was on the trip, in a "Godless" place, I imagined that this was the land God was promising to heal. That this was the part of the earth that needed His glory. So it's humbling to remember I'm there as well. (Apparently Texarkana is a real place. As opposed to the imaginary mix of Texas and Arkansas that I originally thought they were referring to.)

"Some folks passing through Texarkana last week noted signs in people's yards that said, "America, prayer is our only hope" with 2 Chron. 7:14 underneath. We certainly need God's help! I have no idea who started this, but I certainly agree with this e-mail. I heard a preacher on TV who said if we pray for our nation that things will turn around. After a day of contemplation and soul searching, I have decided to reach out to my friends and relatives and ask you to do something that has been troubling me for a long time. Our nation is/has been on the slippery slope for a long time. If you look around you will find corruption, greed, moral decay, and a steady move away from the things that made us great. The principles upon which this nation was founded are no longer our backbone. However, we can reverse this trend. 2 Chron. 7:14 In God's word He states, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their Land." I am convinced that we must pray for our nation and its leaders and ask for forgiveness. So I ask you to join me in this plea to our Lord. He will hear us and in faith will answer. Let me just add a quote from Ronald Reagan "If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." I truly believe this is why the United States of America is in the shape we are in today. Most people have forgotten that we are one nation under God! Let us as Christians stand up and remind people of this."

Things We Like: Kiddie Soccer

To quote Hannah "Are you kidding me?" And yes, in some ways I think we wish we were. We had the honor of attending baby Hannah's first soccer game. Which she "really appreciated". Highlights include Hannah cheering, both arms pump fisted in the air......every time the other team scored. Which was often. Every time the ball was in motion, it was usually going in the opposing team's goal. Apparently the under 5 team is not allowed to have a goalie. There's a chance that another requirement is to not know the objective of the game, but by the end of the game, as the head coach was literally carrying a kid around swinging his feet to kick the ball, we saw signs of improvement. You can't blame the little munchkins (or coach Garo!). At this age kids are brainwashed to always share. And here we are telling them to go take a ball from someone else. Kinda like when my mom taught Hannah it is was ok to pee in the ocean, when she hadn't quite conquered the toilet.

So it didn't go down as a "W" in the record book. But Hannah didn't notice. And really, neither did we!

Pictures: 1. Hannah blowing kisses to her fans. 2. Right before she told that little kid it was her turn- he had kicked last time. 3. A juice box snack when a simple water bottle just won't do the trick. 4. well this actually looks a bit like soccer, so I can't say I recall what was going on at this point. 5. The pregame prayer, where yes, Hannah was the only kid closing her eyes! (the things I choose to brag about are clearly the unsuperficial!) 6. Hannah roughing up Blake.

Road Trippin: #2 Indy Race Car Style

I spend A LOT of time selling Mac on what a great city we live in and have been blessed to live in for the past 6 plus years. I often refer to our fun friends, the great temps, and the amazing location. You know, you can ride a cheap bus to places like NYC (my fave) or drive just about anywhere. Or so we seem to think. Indianapolis, home of the Colts and if you think really hard about it, the Pacers, is about 10 hours from our house (12 if it's raining and there's traffic and you're the only girl with 2 guys on the phone and one who may or may not be criticizing your driving the entire time...YIKES!) It was a long trip. But well worth it.

Growing up Mac had two besties. Oscar, who was his age. And Groupie, who was a year younger..hence he was a groupie? (or so they flattered themselves) I wasn't there, so I might be telling tales. But Mac refuses to blog so I'll do my best. Newho, the threebies were great friends and had many adventures together. Some of the bigger ones were with an organization called Kings Kids. Again, don't go fact checking. With this group they traveled the globe singing and dancing for Jesus. I kid you not! But we can't laugh, cause we've all been there (or wish all boys had?). Well not the countries they went to. But the missions part....trips that work to turn young boys into Christ centered men. (who when together may or may not regress to the maturity of their yonder years) Almost 20 years later they are still great friends. And the Groupie proved he was more than a little guy, and got real big! I mean jacked-up muscles. HUGE! It served well in putting the other two in their place.

The past is important to understand the present. You see, earlier this year, actually right after we had a fun night with these guys and their wives in Austin, Groupie was diagnosed with some pretty aggressive cancer. You can read all about his fight here. Or follow his beautiful words and videos here. What you will quickly learn from both sites is that it was the past that has brought him to this point. His faith that was so well established and grounded long ago has given him hope and peace and joy and love even amid great confusion/hurt/weariness. And his big muscles would have to be one of the reasons that his body can sustain such high doses of chemo! right?!?!?! That's what I like to think.

Since July Robert, better known to you as Groupie, has been in Indianapolis receiving the most intense chemo (ever)! When he left Texas for the treatment his cute wife was way preggo and couldn't go with him. We decided that we would use this as the perfect excuse to go visit. And the Labor Day weekend gave us that extra day we needed! Aimee has since delivered Baby Egan and the family is living with her sister in Kentucky, visiting Robert as much as possible. It is obviously the biggest blessing that his family is with him now, but we feel pretty blessed ourselves to have had such an amazing visit. Indianapolis is an awesome city (who knew?!?!) We took in delicious croissant french toast, lots of belly laughs, and some really intentional time amongst the brother kind of friends. I never had a brother growing up. And now I have a ton! Real good ones too. The kind you want to be with you for a real long time.

We started a yearly trip tradition with these special friends. First stop Mexico, second stop Austin, and third stop is Aimee's parents new lake house! As Ethne, Robert's oldest daughter says "as soon as daddy gets done with cancer"! We can't wait!!!!

Preview: Road Trippin: #3 Tri Syle

ok, so I realize I'm going all kinds of out of order, but we got this email of triathlon (which I always spell triathlong.....subliminal much?) pics while at work, where as our "Road Trippin: #2 Indy Race Car Style" and the official photographer of the triathlon (thanks mom!) pics are not at work.

We'll call it a sneak preview. There's part of me that thinks it's wrong to post these bootleg pics, but the other part is proud to advertise? Yes I realize that with Mac's pics you are getting the full tri-fecta, but look at my smile! I promise I wasn't smiling after the swim. And when running I looked like one of those pics where you're shaking your head trying to make it look like you're being punched/flappin in the wind. oh wait, you don't ever do that? hmmm. just trust me on this one. Official race pics....you know, the kind you don't have to pay for, will be coming next week. After "Road Trippin: #4 Sparkle City Style"

Road Trippin: #1 Beach style

So as we mentioned (ages ago) we started our fall o'fun out right. In the summer! At the beach! with lots of besties! And their BOYS! We missed Amy, but we still managed to have a great time?!?! And her husband Ross really represented. He challenged me to a celebrity dual. (Who is this guy?!?!) It was riveting for our fans! And Matt, the newest to the gang, who has recently cemented his spot with some major BLING, brought cornhole! Until corn started falling out of the holes in the bags, this could have been considered a fave part of the whole trip (as well as getting to meet Matt of course)! There was good weather to sun, run, and play on the beach. And dreary weather where you could only play! Small group conversations and big group fun. We feel so blessed by these friendships and that we as individuals, couples, and a group can grow and change and yet still fit. It's so special to create new memories with old friends.

Things We Like: Baby Casts!

Ok so it might be a bit on the rude side to say we heart baby casts, but it would also be lying if the mere mention of it didn't conjure up images of Kathryn's dog Belle's hot pink cast. Puppy casts and baby casts. And now we present our super tough nephew, baby Trey!Just look at him. He doesn't even have to dress up for the ECU game this weekend. He could just wave in the air! But I would love to see a pic of him with his cast and his UNC jersey.....hint hint! Apparently Trey often goes up to Betsy, lifts his mini arm and shows her the cast. As in "Ok, let's take it off now" Yeah, you love this story! So sad/cute! How can I feel such conflicting emotions and why do I feel guilty when I want to hear more?!?!?! Perhaps Trey is just trying to make sure we notice him, seeing as his new brother Tyler (Hansbrough) "Ty" (won Lawson) Banks Thomas will be here any day! We notice you baby Trey and think you and your baby cast are awesome!

Love you Trey and hope that you are doing push-ups in no time!

PS I just noticed he was carrying around a Sharpie. So we can all sign his cast!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where Are They Now: Kit Keller

Reader Molly felt we had overshadowed younger sis Kit with the lengthy write up on Dottie. But fear not. We have found Lori Petty! And as with many youngest children (think more of Mac's childhood than my own), she is up to no good! Poot Kit. I can't really say where she's been. And at this rate, I don't care much for where she's going. Another all too familiar Hollywood DUI.

Maybe this lil sis was actually hoping to go unnoticed?

Things We Like: Free Chick-fil-a

So perhaps I was a bit spoiled in college living with a certain roommate, who by college age, as can be expected, was decent at forging her mom's signature and therefore being able to void the expiration date on all Chick-fil-a coupons. You see, her parents own not 1, but 2 Chick-fil-as!!! Pretty soon the campus Chick-fil-a grew tired of said roommate and her 7 (unnamed and unpictured on this blog) other roommates and stopped allowing use of the trusty coupons. But take this Lenoir!

"Chick-fil-A Kicks Off 2009 College Football Season with FREE Chicken Sandwich Giveaway, Interactive Website for Fans"

I myself will be on a 9 hour road trip in the....wait for it....Midwest! But nothing yells football like the midwest? And nothing makes me want to wear a UNC tee like being that close to Detroit. If only now I can find me a Chick-fil-a..............

Things We Like: Fantasy Football

Recently my friend Hartley said "You guys go to a lot of football games." I'm pretty sure Mac would disagree. But my response was "We try to be fair." And we do. To a point that probably pains Mac and shames me as a Republican. Either way this year we will go to 1 UNC football game. And 1 Texas A&M football game. One could say "But didn't you go to 2 Final Four's?" And to that I say. When you're good, you're good. Yikes, I've just isolated readers. And I haven't even gotten to the part where I mention UNC's pre-season ranking #20 (and though I pressed "Ctrl-F" I didn't see A&M on the list. Maybe I was looking at the wrong list?) Maybe these razzing blogs won't have the positive effect on my blog or home life that I was looking for? I just keep thinking, if I harass him enough, he'll post. I think they say that in "Field of Dreams". I'm greatly anticipating a blog coup.

Newho, most guys think they would do anything to have their wife more interested in sports. To understand why they need to watch games. All day. Sat. Sun. and that's just the fall! But here's the catch. Guys want girls to understand why they need to. Not to join in!

And here's why.

Mac has been involved in a Fantasy Football league since 2002. I have been putting UNC winning my bball pool since 2003. And that's the source of our conflict. Though I might try to hang with the guys. I'm still a girl. If I got my pick. I'd pick Jack Delhome. And just pray he doesn't throw five interceptions when it matters. I don't like the way he looks in the Bojangles cape. But I wish they showed the commercials on my tv! (And I wish I lived closer to a Bojangles.) I always pick with my heart. A somewhat researched heart. But still in the end. The heart wins. One time my heart led me all the way to the pool money. And to me that just made sense!

So far Mac has chosen to keep DeAngelo Williams as his "keeper". Ok, maybe I'm also a tad rusty on fantasy terminology. But he's keeping a Panther. He says it's bc he looked at the cheat sheet. But I think he's just following his heart.

Oh the little refresh button on the iPhone will be tired on Sundays. But I can't wait to write about me and the Panthers.......at the Super Bowl! It could happen! Not sure who is less likely to make it me or them. But I'm practicing dreaming big. And if Carolina accidentally makes it to the Rose Bowl. To keep it fair. We'll sit this one out.

REALLY?!?! Lucky Number 19

So the Duggar family has announced they are expecting their 19th child. But if I was honest. This isn't the part I'm shocked about. I mean, once you've had 18. What's another? I like to think once you've passed 3 they don't all fit in the same car, so really 4+ is all the same. One word: expensive. I have heard that some people like to have three kids. So dad can hold one. Mom can hold one. And then they just have to figure out what to do with the third one. Not that the first child doesn't test your faith enough, but I always like this. Being the third child and all.

One thing I don't like is when people mispronounce my name. The name is Jul-ie. I don't care if it defies proper grammar or if it's tough on the Southern drawl (unless you're my mom, cause then you named me, and you can say it however). And reader James I realize this might lead you to call me Jul-e. Like a trash collecting cartoon. And another thing I'm not is Julia. Which my ninth grade PE teacher could never grasp. The whole year. A lot of times people ask me if my real name is Julia and people just call me Julie. And I do know at least 2 people where this is the case. But what is that? A nick name? Cause it's not shorter. And really my face is so scrunchy even typing this that I just have to let this one go.

But all in all. Here's the shocker. Duggar family. You have put out a plea on People.com for America to help you name your 19th kid. You who named your 6th child Jinger. WITH A J! I realize you're going for a "J" name. And I know I've listed some current complaints with mine. But COME ON!!!! J-U-L-I-E! It's that easy. Have your people call my people. But remember. It's Jul-ie.

**The above post is dedicated to my loving husband. Who thinks I'm wrong. But if I post it on the blog. Really, what can he do? He might have won the blogger Jennifer Aniston debate. But I clearly know my own name!**