Marathon

Here's some pics from family outing to Music City Marathon....here's weird thing, I always tear up at the Marathon--must wear my shades despite the clouds and threatening weather. We made it home just before bottom fell out. MG came home to play with us for a while. After a round of indoor hoops, board games, the DS took over. Willie taught MG all about his DS and was proud to share it with him. MG is quite the runner and is known as fastest in his elementary school. Willie is very proud of this fact and brokers races with everyone we see that Willie thinks would be interested in racing him. MG has to be tired of it....but he never lets on.

Here are kids at the last mile for the 1/2 marathoners.

Willie and MG in front of LP Field.

Everytime we got separated, we easily spotted Ruby and Jay. She's almost as tall as pedestrian bridge it seems.

Baseball

The coach pitched Bisons are at it again, and Ruby has made her own debut.

It's probably a sad commentary on me but being at the ballfield is arguably highlights of my week. I love all the parents, the sunsets, the concessions and cheering for our boys.

Willie earned the game ball last week with a pop fly catch on third and unassisted double play.

He's so proud here with Coach Brent who has perfect balance of getting best out of the boys and having fun! Watching the game can be challenging though to keep up with Ruby playing on the playground, petting every dog around and just popping in the dugout in the middle of the game. At each team meeting after each game, Rubv slides in by Willie and pats him down. (He doesn't show much reaction which is better than the alternative that I'm sure Steven would have given me.)

Mute my music at bottom of blog so you can hear sweet voices in the backyard game.

Unbelievable

Well, tonight's first night back with internet after the Big Flood. We're actually watching the local news and getting full grasp of what's been going on. We are only folks with a basement that I've heard of that no water.

I somehow navigated myself out of town Sunday night with several detours which was bit stupid the more I reflect on it. I had a big meeting in Atlanta and I soldiered down there.....only to get food poison in route. So after 36 hours in the hotel and seeing no one except hotel staff and one colleage who came to bring me meds/fluids, I drove back this morning. So grateful to see the beautiful sunshine, green grass, blue skies and some precious Walton's.

Jay headed out to help family of one of Willie's classmates who lost everything. He said is took back to Katrina clean-up in Pascagoula.

There's some heartbreaking images on the TV tonight.... Thanks to all of our friends and family who have been calling, texting and emailing to check on us.

Us & Timmy

Ruby was as excited as the rest of us!


Someone actually asked me if Willie knew who Tim Tebow is. I wanted to say do you know who Willie Walton is? He knows more renown athletes than I do and then reenacts their games here in front of me.

And, Coach Shaun, he's part of our Family. He and Jay have been coaching together for last 10 years at least. We love you, Shaun!

And, Tim, (who I realize will never remember us or read this), we're forever Fans. Now, you can stop with that "go, Gators" business. Go Broncos!

Tebow Time

This week was filled with anticipation of hosting Tim Tebow at Lipscomb this weekend. Our Athletic Administration pulled off a terrific day at the 2nd annual Don Meyer Evening of Excellence. Basically a celebration of excellence in Lipscomb Athletics to raise the funds to keep it all (Luke 2:52) going. After a day full of events, about 6000 folks were at the keynote address packing out Allen Arena. Tim was funny, witty, and focused for a flawless delivery for 45 minutes. The day could not have been more perfect!


Our highlight was a special luncheon for the coaches' families to get family pics made with Tim. (Not with our camera so we'll post those later.) On the way in to the luncheon, Willie and I were scurrying up the sidewalk trying to be on time. I heard the quiet hum of golf carts behind us so we moved over. The Security cart zipped by then Tim's cart scooted by...Tim leaned out his cart and said "Hey, Willie!" Of course, our friend was driving the cart and gave Tim a heads up on the precious little boy hustling in the building to see Tim Tebow! Willie told several folks of the encounter so I'm sure he was impressed.


Jay and I had a special moment with Tim too. Our little friend Hayes Brown (5 years old) has been battling cancer this Spring. His mama & daddy are some special college friends. We recently read on Hayes' caringbridge site how much he loves Tim Tebow. So...Hayes, this was the highlight our weekend and is for you. No autographs were allowed but Jay's smart thinking combined with my assertiveness.....this is much better than an autograph. We love you, Brown's and continue to lift up your Hayes. (Scroll down and stop my playlist at the bottom before playing Tim's message.)




Then off to the ball fields...After Willie played some baseball, we left Ruby in good care at home, picked up MG for dinner and Tebow's talk. Willie got a bit tired but Montreal was spongy and soaked it all in. 1) Don't be afraid to Stand Alone. 2) Live with Passion 3) Finish strong. Woven with humor, football stories, and faith stories......So good and I had to keep nursery this morning so we just let Willie sleep in this morning and just make it in time for SS. No sermon could top it.

At shortstop.....



Ruby on her perch at the ballfield....





Coach Jay and Coach Shaun at the luncheon....



Willie and MG on campus!



Got to run....I hear the ping of the bat in my backyard.

Lately

After a fabulous Easter weekend that stretched from Final Four to South Missisippi, we all settled back into routine splashed with LOTS of fun this week. We hit Maggiano's to celebrate a great year with the Bisons, kicked off WW's Spring baseball with a 23-4 victory, had date night at Safe Haven's 25th anniversary celebration at the Hutton Hotel, and just enjoyed the absolutely beautiful weather here in Nashville--full redbud (my fav) and dogwood bloom. Put your cursor on any pic you are curious about and you might get a bit of explanation.

Winner Announced

Not Butler....not even referring to 4x Duke. Check out who won the Hope Through Hoops bracket challenge at www.hopethruhoops.blogspot.com.