4:14

Marine Corps Marathon 10/30/11

26.2 miles, 4:14:42

Jerry and Erin were able to track my progress in Sunday's race online.  They could actually see 'me' in cartoon form cross the finish line in 4:14 to which Erin enthusiastically replied, that's my bus number!

Funny.

When I pulled in the driveway there was a sign on the garage door that said way to go with the time

4:14
on it with 'that's my bus number' written as well.

I laughed and then I cried.  It was an emotional day.

Pulled onto 295 at 4:50 am en route to Crystal City only to skirt a just happened accident and then came upon a 'parking lot' that resulted from another accident.

I was calm.  It did not matter to me when I started this marathon.  I had a timing chip and I was going to complete it come hell or high water.

The accident was right by the exit for Pennsylvania Ave and about 50 minutes later we were able to exit.  I was ready for a pain in the neck goose chase trying to find my way but the exit for 395 S was right at the end of the exit.  Took me less than 15 minutes to get to Crystal City and Park.

Got on the Shuttle to the starting line around 6:30.  Arrived at the start to get in line for the Port-o-john by 7:10.  Warmed up, checked my bag, headed to the starting line and sat in another 'parking lot'.  This time it was a people parking lot.  30,000 runners on Sunday.

Race started at 8 am.  We did not cross the starting line until 8:13.

The weather was perfect as far as I am concerned.  I was freezing to start but perfect the rest of the way.  Beginning was quite hilly but I did not feel them.  I was gliding.  I bounced all the way through mile 15 when my feet started to ache.  So I prayed.  I prayed for strong feet and a strong mind.  I had been praying  most of the race.  Praying for the people around me and the people they were running in memory or honor of. 

Praying

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

Because it was all around me on people's shirts.  I was in good company.  Every time I started to falter I would recite that verse.

And I glided and bounced and followed my fuel plan and pain management plan to a T.

The run was uneventful really.  Pain there was pain but I knew that ahead of time.  I was doing this because of pain.  I was doing this to honor the grief, pain, anger, despair, depression, and fear of those who lost their son, brother, husband, nephew, friend.. 

This was not about me.  You see I hate the marathon.  It sucks.  It is miserable.  It is nauseating.  It is painful.  It requires way to much preparation time.

This marathon was much more than an athletic feat.  This marathon was a celebration.  A celebration of life.  A celebration of taking back myself, my health, my spirituality, a celebration of giving and seeing the joys of life.  

Life causes grief, pain, anger, despair, depression, and fear in many different ways.  The Travis Manion Foundation and Team Travis and Brendan is just one example of how two families took their grief, pain, anger, despair, depression, fear, and agony and turned it into something positive.  It is very moving to think about if one allows themselves to.

Travis and Brendan gave all for the freedoms and liberty we take for granted.

Grief, pain, anger, despair, depression, fear, and agony have touched me throughout my life but it will never again define me.

4:14.

The number kept ringing in my ears as if it were more than just a number.

This morning I woke up and my first thought was John 4:14.

So I looked it up.

John 4:14

 "...but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty.  The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life."

Water.

I am a Cancer.

Cancer is a water sign.

I have recently overcome my fear of the water.

The whole day and race I felt as if I was floating.

Calm, Collected.

I drank of the water all day on Sunday.  Yes, the water from the Marines.

But truly the water of the spirit.

Rest in Peace Travis Manion and Brendan Looney.

 I know you know how your death has changed me, challenged me, and filled me with the Holy Spirit.

If not me then who.

Honor the Fallen by Challenging the Living.

If Not Me, Then Who Part Two



Why Support Team Travis?

Travis was asked before he left for Iraq why he had to go and became known for his response, "If not me, then who". He always placed others before himself and helping those in need was something that came very easily for him. In keeping the spirit of his selfless nature alive the Travis Manion Foundation continues his mission.



Where does the money go?

"The Foundation's Mission is to assist our nation's veterans and the families of Fallen Heroes.  We will continue the service to community and country exemplified by these Fallen Heroes and veterans.  In the spirit of the Fallen, we will foster strength of mind and body to create a generation of future leaders."

Click here to see the programs supported by Team Travis



http://travismanion.com/the-mission.html







A huge thank you to the following friends and family for supporting Team Travis, I will be thinking of you on Sunday.

Sarah Forney

Tonya Tiffany

Angie Swindell

Barbara Bryl

Michelle Keller

Steph Bryl

Rose Lasek

Grandma Mary Howard

Jen Patrizio

Jackie Bryl

Sue Franklin

Rachel Densmore

Paul Surlis

Aunt Mary McCoy

It's not too late to donate.

Steps for making a donation:

1.  Go to http://teamtravis.com/
2. Find Marine Corps Marathon in the left hand tool bar and click "sponsor an athlete"
3. Type in Cynthia Bryl under search for a runner
4. Choose Cynthia Bryl and click sponsor
5. Make a donation

OR

Send a check to

PO Box 1485 Doylestown, PA 18901

On Sunday I will run to honor the memories of Travis Manion and Brendan Looney and all of our American Heroes.  It's not enough but it's something.

Brothers in Arms, Side-by-Side at Arlington

1st LT Travis Manion, USMC, sought to live a life of service, caring deeply about his family and friends, and hoping to inspire others through his actions. Today his spirit lives on through the Foundation that bares his name.

Travis Manion and Brendan Looney were roommates at the Naval Academy, close as brothers. One became a Marine and went to Iraq, the other a Navy Seal in Afghanistan. On Monday they were reunited, side-by-side in Arlington National cemetery, reports CBS News correspondent David Martin.

"That's what kinda gets me by is knowing that they're going to be together," said Looney's wife, Amy.

The grief is still raw for Amy, and for Looney's mother Maureen. It's been less than two weeks since his body came home from Afghanistan, where he was killed in a helicopter crash.

Travis Manion Foundation

"After we got the call and everything, actually Mrs. Manion was the first person I called because she was like Brendan's other mom," said Maureen.

"And she just said, 'Janet,' and I said, 'Maureen,' and she started crying and I said, 'Brendan,' and she said, 'yes,'" said Janet Manion, Travis' mother.

Travis Manion's parents have been living with their grief for more than three years. He was shot by a sniper in Iraq in 2007. Six months later, Brendan was still overcome talking about what Travis meant to him.

"I was lucky enough to room with Travis at the Naval Academy for two years," said Brendan in October 2007. "In a very short time he became another brother to me. He was a great friend. I'll never forget him and I miss him."

Travis had been laid to rest in the family cemetery near Philadelphia, but when Brendan died both families instantly knew what had to be done.

"That was the first thing out of my mouth, without even thinking," said Amy. "That they had to be together."

"I'll be at peace knowing that he's with his brother, together," said Janet. "I know that's where he wants to be."

On Friday Travis was moved to Arlington. Both families were there, the two mothers holding tight to each other. Monday they gathered again, to bury Brendan right next to Travis.

"They're together now," said Maureen. "We've got two angels looking out after us."

Travis' father, himself a former Marine, spoke their epitaph.

"First Lieutenant Travis Manion, USMC, Lieutenant Brendan Looney, United States Navy. Warriors for freedom, brothers forever," said Travis' father Tom.

Breasts

I have this neighbor, Jen. 

She lives right across the street. 

She loves my kids.

She helps us ALOT.

She is thoughtful and aware.

She is beautiful and an inspiration.

She is a survivor!

Read Jen's story about Breast Cancer and then go make an appointment for a mammogram. 

http://womensjournalmd.com/blog/2011/10/11/2nd-annual-breast-cancer-awareness-survivor-issue/

Hey Jen, can you watch the kids while I go get a mammogram ;0)!

DIY

Pottery Barn Growth Chart Ruler

Long ago I saw this in a Pottery Barn catalog and thought it was cute but way out of our league price wise.  Then I started blogging and came across this site and a knock off pottery barn ruler and so I had to try it.

http://517creations.blogspot.com/2011/04/ruler-growth-chart-pottery-barn-knock.html

Deke lovingly got me the piece of wood (6 x 6 x 1) that I needed at no cost to me.  So nice.  I had originally planned to cover our old growth chart with the ruler but quickly realized it would stick out too far and look awkward.

Here is the old growth chart on the wall.  Which is perfectly fun and adequate but with the way we hem and haw about moving I thought the ruler would be a great addition and something we could take with us, IF we ever move.

So, I stained the wood which took two coats and less than 30 minutes.  Then I measured and marked from 6 inches to 6 1/2 feet using a pencil (and yes I had to erase a couple of times and it did not mar the stain).  The ruler would be hung 6 inches from the floor.  

To make the numbers I printed them out using a font I liked at 200.  Cut them out  and then taped them to the board and traced them with a pencil, REALLY HARD to get a good indentation. 

Once all the pencil lines were to my liking, I used Sharpie Paint Pens that I got at A.C. Moore. They were 2 for $5 and I had a 50% off coupon.

I used the fine point to trace the numbers and the wider tip to fill in.  Not too difficult with a steady hand.

I let the paint dry for 45 minutes and then sprayed the whole board with Patricia Nimocks Clear Acrylic Sealer.  You must do this outside or you could use a polyurethane clear coat with a brush.  I applied two relatively heavy coats.  Again I bought this at A.C. Moore and I want to say it was $7 with a 40% off coupon.  This was pricey but I feel I will use it again.



Once the clear coat was on I let the board sit in the mud room for a few days.  Then my husband screwed it to a stud in the wall.  One at the top and one at the bottom.

We measured Erin and Eoin right away!  We tried Bridgie but she just buckled her legs!  Then I transferred the old measurements to the board.

Finished Product







Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

I guess I can officially declare myself a Nutritarian.

So what is a Nutritarian?  Read Dr. Fuhrman's definition

http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/are-you-a-nutritarian.aspx

I don't generally like labels.  But I have been talking about food and Eat to Live so much that it is often the easiest way to start the conversation.

So, I am often in search of great recipes with high nutritional value.  One of the areas I am weakest is eating breakfast.  I love oatmeal but literally cannot, will not, don't have the time or patience to

1. make it every morning

2. sit down and eat it

So, early on I found a recipe on my favorite food blog, Mennonite Girls Can Cook

It is called Baked Oatmeal with Apple and Cinnamon

http://www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca/2011/06/baked-oatmeal-with-apple-and-cinnamon.html

I have been tweaking this recipe for some time and here is what I came up with today:

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

3 1/2 C of Oats

2 tsp baking powder

8 oz of 100% pure pumpkin in a can (half of a 16 oz can)

2 eggs

3 Tablespoons of Honey (trying to find the best natural sweetner for baking)

1 Cup of Vanilla Unsweetened Almond Milk (Blue Diamond brand makes this)

2 Tablespoons of Pumpkin Pie Spice ( you can just use cinnamon and nutmeg)

4 Tablespoons of ground Flax seed

Stir and spread in medium size casserole dish

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes

Yummy for breakfast or afternoon snack with coffee!

You know following Eat to Live is not easy and was in fact dreadful in the beginning, but it is so worth it.

What maybe makes it easier for me is watching Bridgie scarf up all the foods I prepare for her.  It makes me so sad that I did not get to Erin and Eoin  sooner.  Erin already eats very healthy foods, adamant that she have the following in her lunch box every day:

1 peanut butter and jelly sandwich cut into a butterfly

4 carrots

1 celery stalk cut in half and into six pieces

red seedless grapes

and a juice box

I even keep a little baggie in there with a note and some Hershey kisses, but she never eats them.

Eoin is my challenge and I love him so, so I love the challenge.  He literally only eats "cakes with syrups", frozen pancakes, sometimes three times a day.  Jerry jests that if it were not for candy corn Eoin would not eat any vegetables.  Funny, but not because it is true.  He will eat an occasional apple and as far as fresh foods that's it.  We're working and we will keep working.  If I add mini mnm's or mini chocolate chips to muffins sometimes he will eat them.  For this recipe I may drizzle some melted chocolate on top and he might try it. 

Bridgie is a good eater.  Eating whatever we put in front of her.  In the early days of her life I came across information on the Metabolism of people with Down Syndrome.  Basically, people with Down Syndrome are prone to Thyroid problems.  And as of Bridgie's 18 month check up her Thyroid test came back high.  No action is required at this time and she will be retested in 6 months.  Thyroids can be controlled to an adequate extent, metabolism not so much.  Therefore, the desire to extend Bridgie's palate is what jump started me to make changes and what keeps me motivated.  Not to mention the girl loves her beans and greens!!!!  Read on for more information about metabolism.

The Effects of Metabolism

Research suggests that children with Down syndrome have a lower basal metabolic rate (BMR) than their same-aged peers. BMR is the rate a person burns calories for fuel when completely at rest -- or sleeping. As a result, a child with Down syndrome uses fewer calories while they are asleep and also throughout the day. In addition, adults with Down syndrome (ages 18-20) have finished growing and require fewer calories than they did as a child. If eating or exercise habits do not change to compensate for this decrease in energy requirements, the energy equation quickly becomes unequal with calories in outweighing calories out.

http://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/outpatient-programs/weight_management_adults_down_syndrome

Naturally, Bridgie will make her own decisions and choices regarding food and exercise but if I can continue to expose her to healthy eating while she is under my thumb I will.  Consequently, Bridgie does not really enjoy sweets.  She also has a bit of a dairy intolerance so we have replaced cow's milk for almond milk.  Even Goldfish (cheddar) seem to bother her.

I hope you will continue your own journey and Eat to Live.

100 faces

My friend Megan came last Tuesday.

To take pictures of Bridgie.

Just Because.

But she turned it into something great.

A little piece of awareness about Down Syndrome.

Just a little bug in the ear of all her blog followers.

What she showed was the beauty of Down Syndrome.

And here she is.

http://proofing.meganevansphotography.com/bridgie/slideshow

And the link to Megan's blog.

http://www.meganevansphotography.com/

Be Kind.  Leave her some comments!!!!



Cruisin'

And we are cruisin'!

Almost ready to tackle going around the corner of the train table.

There's no stopping sister now.  It's on.

We're going to have to get Eoin a helmet.



So walking would appear to be on the horizon.  But we have learned from Bridgie that she can and will do things when she is good and ready.  No amount of 'working with her' or trying to strengthen her legs is going to push the agenda forward.  Remember in the last post...'she's going to do whatever she damn well pleases'...well this applies here as well.

I thought I would post a chart from NDSS that I have found helpful regarding Bridgie's developmental timeline.  This is just a guide and as parents we all know children develop at their own rate, well this is no different for children with Down Syndrome.

I have heard the term 'disorganization' when referring to the mental processes of a person with Down Syndrome.  Though Bridgie's upper body and lower body are equally strong and quite capable when working independently of one another, it would seem her brain is not ready or 'organized' enough yet to send the messages to two different areas which would allow them to work together.  For example, Bridgie is quite capable of pulling herself up to stand.  However, it is either the arms OR the legs doing the work not both.  So, the conundrum occurs when she wants to get down.  She will usually just let go and plop on her butt as she is not able to coordinate her knees to bend or kneel before sitting.  Quite fascinating to watch and now quite celebratory as she has started stepping with her feet.

Not a sermon, just a thought.

http://www.ndss.org/images/stories/NDSSresources/developmental_milestones.pdf