thirty five.

'becca's birthday half marathon ~ entry fee $0, start time 5am, party favors were PowerBars, post run treats - TJ's vanilla cupcakes and dark chocolate sea salt brownies. It was a perfect morning to run, cool with an almost full moon. The stars were as glorious as they are most nights/mornings in the Ozarks as ran by the lake and through a couple of parks. I said a number of times that morning how lucky I am to have friends who will wake so early and run 13 miles with me. What a gift. And I even had a friend who came to meet us at the finish just for fun. Katrina, Megan, Cristen, Teak, David and Tim -- You helped me start 35 well and I thank you!

After I ran, I got cleaned up and we headed to the soccer field, but not without stopping for a soy latte. Both boys won their games. Chas scored 2 or 3 goals and Elliott scored 1. After their games were finished, we ran home for the boys to get cleaned up and pack the car, because we were Kansas City bound.

(Around the Griff' and Missy's home before (and after) the girls headed out for the evening.)

Yummy dinner @ JP's Wine Bar. That is, if the Spanish Cheese Flight and #1403 counts as dinner. Oh and the crispy parmesan bowl that Missy's salad was served, I ate that too. She was not going to eat it and it certainly would have been a terrible thing to waste. We took our time and smiled a lot. Shared from our hearts and listened when the other spoke. Thanks for listening Missy. My brother certainly married well and in that marriage, I gained another sister. Thanks Missy for wanting to make my birthday special. You did. I love you.
I have friends who remember their travels by the food they ate or the sights they visited. I am beginning to remember the places I visit by the routes I run. I don't often get to run in the city and when I have the opportunity to do so, I take it. This morning I ran from Hyde park to Westport, weaving through the Plaza and past the Nelson. I have always loved Kansas City, midtown on the Missouri side, best and it is good to visit it on foot.

Sunday in KC means I get to worship at Redeemer Fellowship. It's a church community I long to be a part of and I attend as often as I am able. Kevin preached this morning about the clothing we have been given by God in Colossians 3: 12 - 17. It's not about trying to put on the clothing, but rather wear it because we have been transformed from the inside by the gospel of Jesus. I am challenged each time I hear him teach. Thanks, Kev.

After church we headed to the Plaza Art Fair where I wanted to buy the painting(s) I'm looking at in the picture above, but opted for a little birthday gift from Andrew Johnsoncalled Juicy Vase. Price difference $1755.

Sunday in KC during football season also means, CHIEFS and $2.50/3 tacos at Charlie Hoopers. After 3 baskets of tacos, Elliott at 6 tacos, Chas 2, leaving me with 1, we hopped in the car to head home. When the boys and I travel or I travel alone, if I see someplace I wish to stop, I usually do. I realize that this sort of travel would drive many people nuts. Today it was an apple orchard, honey stand, an Elliott sign and Osceola Cheese. Gas stations and rest stops don't count, we took those too.

We are home now, bags un packed and laundry finished and folded. I'm snuggled into bed and the boys are sleeping soundly. I'm headed to sleep in a little bit, but I'm going to readfirst, Proverbs and then Ephesians.

To those who sent emails and text messages, facebook wall posts, tweets and phone calls -- THANK YOU! You were each a very special part of my day and the start to a new year. Cheers to being 35!