Ugly Sweater Run (12/19/15)

Last year's Ugly Sweater Run was so fun that we had to sign up again! We were even on this year's promos:

Brad's sis, Jill, arrived in town from NYC just in time to join us in the excitement.

The ugly sweater contest before the fun run:

Dad was sporting one of Mom's finest penguin tops:

Brad and I went with red sleeves under our matching "sweater" T-shirts:

The run starts and ends at Tualatin Road Runner Sports - warm and dry before and after!! Because of flooding, the normal route along the Tualatin River was unusable. Instead, they routed us on the road - and UP a big hill at the turnaround. We were running really fast, and I had to walk the top part so my heart didn't explode. It was fun to go fast :) 

Here comes Eryn in her matching T-shirt:

Nice job, little sis!

Racing triplets:

Demo Saucony shoes:

Dad racing to the finish and passing that lady in yellow:

Steve, Donna and Jill stayed together until the end, when Donna took off running. Then Steve decided to leave her in the dust:

And Jill just kept strolling with her hands in her pockets. She wasn't feeling competitive :)

First race for the whole Wood family:

The whole gang (Mom was stuck at home nursing her concussion):

Inside treats and prizes and information about the Ladybug CDH Foundation, one of the charities we were supporting:

Only one of our group won a raffle prize... Steve got this running shirt from Saucony:

It was great to share our love of racing with Brad's family! Can't wait for next year's fun run :)

Merry Christmas!!

About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. 

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." 

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!

Luke 2:1-20 The Message

Toy time

Last week was our annual toy-shopping trip to Bi-Mart:

Our three households filled two SUVs with toys and delivered them to the King City fire station. From there, the toys went to KGW and then to local agencies to give to children in need.

It's so fun to go up and down the aisles, picking things that look fun to share with those who don't have as much as we do. Maybe next year you'll join us :)

No. 39

I don't think I'm going to break last year's record...

Joan Hess's murder@maggody.com was No. 39 for 2015:

This was kinda funny because it was about the Internet coming to a small town - times sure have changed!

Hoping to squeeze in a couple more before the end of the year :)

First winter run

Brad and I celebrated the first day of winter with a gorgeous run on the Wildwood Trail in Portland.

We parked at the far west end of Forest Park and ran to Newton Road. It was dry, chilly and foggy:

I did just over 7 miles in all - a perfect way to kick off winter! 

I can't wait to do more trail running in the new year :)

Christmas Eve invitation

Are you looking for something to do Christmas Eve? Join us at Newberg Friends!

The candlelight, music-filled services are casual and family friendly - and include the NFC Handbell Choir with Mom, Eryn and me :)

 

We hold three 45-minute services to fit your busy schedule: 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

307 South College Street, Newberg  - Click HERE for directions.

I hope to see you there :)

Portland Marathon (10/4/15)

In case you haven't heard, Brad ran the Portland Marathon in October!!! It was his third 26.2... now we're tied!

Instead of leaving these pictures on the camera... let's share!

Race expo Saturday at the downtown Hilton:

I love how they dress up the town:

Early, early Sunday morning - with runner-friend, Dave:

Time for me to jump out of the corral and head to the starting line. One last picture and a good luck hug:

Here comes Brad's "B" corral:

Brad was on the other side of the crowd, but I snapped a pic of Dave as he zoomed past:

And Dave again, a couple miles in:

Look at that gorgeous sunrise!

Here comes Brad!!

That point is a big loop, and while we waited for Brad to make his way around, the leaders flew down the hill! The guy in white compression socks is Chris, a co-worker from Tigard High School:

Go, Chris, go!!

There's Dave!

Brad coming down the hill:

Later that morning - right after the fullers split from the halfers:

Still looking strong!

Mom, Dad, Eryn and I were driving like mad to get to different points on the course. While in transit, we spotted this beauty parked in The Pearl. Pretty!

Remember in June when I ran a virtual 5K to raise money for a running chair for a local gal? Well, Andie was there - in her new chair!!!!

That guy volunteered to push her the whole way. Seriously amazing! And Andie was all smiles the whole time.

Coming off the St. Johns Bridge:

Andie zooming past on Willamette:

And here comes Brad!

He was starting to fade at this point. He handed me his empty water belt, and I ran a short distance by his side, checking in and offering a little encouragement.

We drove back across the river to make sure and see him at the finish. Here comes Andie down the home stretch:

The fat lady was singing!

And there's Brad!

Working hard to finish strong:

Then he disappeared around the corner and into the finishers' area to rest and refuel. While we waited, we spotted Lauree, who sang in our wedding!

He finally emerged, looking tired but so satisfied:

So proud!!!!

Former student, Lindsey, ran her first half!

Support/cheer squad!

The salty aftermath:

Refueling at Native Foods. A woman in the next table (not pictured) was also wearing her finisher shirt. Must have been the place to go for lunch!

What an amazing accomplishment!! Congrats, Brad :)