HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy New Year to Everyone! May all your New Year Resolutions come true!

The Dawson's 2008 year in review:

Jan.: Jimmy started a new career with State Farm as an Agent







Jan.: Drew played Basketball for Granbury Basketball Association (GBA)











March: Delaney continued her run with the Lady Bugs Soccer Team
The "Bugs" with moms!









...2008: 4 years living in Timber Cove, neighbor Brooke is still the best of all!!












Jan. - Aug: Leah ran around as a mom chasing kids and tutored at Acton Elementary. She is the most beautiful MOM in the world!!








May: Jimmy missed the School Business, and the kids at school. Got hired at Acton Middle School as the Principal and Leah went back to teaching after 9 years of being a "Mom".









June: Drew returned to ACU KidQuest Camp with Allie Nichols









Aug.: Drew went to 3rd grade and Delaney went to 1st grade








June: Drew & Delaney were on the Granbury SEALS Swim Team








Sept.: Our Annual Church Camping Trip. (Drew & Delaney on the Right side with Cutter and Brady Willmeth)







Sept.: Delaney went back to gymnastics, Drew played fall baseball, and best of all, Drew became a Texas Tech Red Raider fan!!!








Nov.: Jimmy & Leah ran in their 1st 1/2 marathon in San Antonio

Nov.: 21st annual Thanksgiving Family Reunion in Oklahoma City









Dec.. JoeDe got married on Dec. 27th. Delaney was a Flower Girl, Drew was an Usher, and Jimmy was the Best Man. Leah had to care for all three of us. Great Wedding!

HAPPY 2009 TO ALL!!!

JoeDe's Wedding

THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF 2008

JoeDe, we are extremely proud of you and Ashleigh! Your wedding was awesome, and we welcome Ashleigh to our family!

Christmas Time

Drew (9) & Delaney (6)
It's Christmas time, and we love this time of the year. This year has been very different in nature. It will be the first year we don't get Christmas Cards out or Christmas lights on the roof of the house. We did get the lights in the bushes, 3 trees up in the house, and the reindeer in the yard though. With Leah going back to work full time, kids crazy schedules, my new job, and just our change of pace around the house, we just "ran out of time" this year.

Although, some traditions won't change. Every Christmas Eve, we sit together as a family before opening presents, and read the story of the Birth of Jesus. We emphasize to our kids what Christmas is all about. Jesus is the reason for the season!

Merry Christmas to each of you and may God bless your family during this Christmas Season!

THANKSGIVING '08

We just completed our 21st year celebrating Thanksgiving in Oklahoma City. Back in 1987, my mothers side of the family decided to forego the traditional Thanksgiving meeting at someone's house, and meet at a central location for all our aunts, uncles, cousins, and distant relatives to come celebrate together. The Embassy Suites in Ok City gave us a good deal on rooms, and catered the Thanksgiving Meal. It has been the best tradition we could ask for! We get to keep in touch with one another when we would not have the opportunity to do so if we just met with our immediate family! This year, cousin Jon was able to bring his wife and 4 boys from San Diego. We love our time, and the kids get to play at the hotel just like one big playground. Great tradition, and in just a few years, we will be celebrating 25 years! Wow! Surely the Hilton owed Embassy Suites will comp our stay. Ha, I'm not betting on it!

Holiday Traditions

We all have our certain family holiday traditions. I would love to hear what your families special holiday tradition(s) are. Click on the Comments, and share your favorite family tradition. This year was my 5th annual fishing trip to Lake Texoma with my father. We have used the Sunday - Tuesday of Thanksgiving week to fish, talk, laugh, and just catch up on lifes events. It is extremely peaceful, relaxing, and sometimes action packed when we get heavy in the fish! This year was extra special since Drew (9 years old) got to join our man trip to the lake. He had a great time, and found out that it is a serious fishing trip. As you can see, we caught lots of fish. Drew counted everyone we caught, and we pulled in 58 striper bass, and cleaned 48. The first day, Drew won the biggest fish award, and hauled that 4 lbs bass in all by himself. We knew at that point, he was truly a fisherman and had joined our "club". Dawson boys fishing! Priceless!

Check out the fish Big Daddy is holding for Drew. A 4 lbs bass caught by Drew man! It was a chore getting that fish in the boat, but it gave Drew bragging rights all night since that was the biggest fish caught that day!

Leah's Update = From Malls to Marathons

FROM MALL'S TO MARATHONS! LEAH DAWSON ON HER RUN:
Wow. To those of you have been praying for us, cheering us on and laughing. I can not say enough...THANK YOU!! I started this whole thing not being able to run 4 houses. Yes, I said 4 houses. I have trained since July and now can truly run a solid 3 miles fine. I reached my personal goal...3 miles w/out stopping.
So, a little about that day. I started with adrenaline running through my body like crazy. I went 3 miles and could have kept going. I prayed I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me over and over. My running buddy was ready to stop at 3miles, which is usually me, so I stopped and walked with her at that point. I could not leave my wing man. I could not believe how good I felt and that I could have kept going. God is good. It was so HIM!! I started running again and felt so good. I was amazed. I saw a sign with a scripture from Samuel That said God said "run". It fired me up and I ran!!!! So powerful.
At mile 9 I am hurting. Both hips, knees and left shoulder from tension. I kept praying and God showed me another man with a sign that had the scripture from Isaiah "They will soar like eagles, and not grow weary". Again, I got so emotional! I kept running.
We would go 4min, walk 1, etc. Always taking advantage of the down hills. By the time I had been going for 3 solid hours and saw the finish line, my emotions could not hold it back any longer. I LOST IT!!!!! Oh my! I fell into a marines arms at the finish line and he said "here princess, let me crown you. Don't cry" as he put my medal around my neck. I didn't even see his face but I know whose arms wrapped around me. Jesus was there all along carrying me through. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, including birth! But so completely rewarding!!
I have to say. I love my husband! Jimmy has been so supportive and so sweet through this entire thing. He is so proud. He did awesome. Ran the entire thing in 2 hours! He met me after I was done and was so sweet and so proud of me. I fell into him and bawled and he was pretty choked up to. It was a sweet moment. I will not do another 1/2 marathon, but loved the experience. Not so much the pain I am still having 2 days later, but wow! So, thanks and I love you all supportive friends and family!!

OUR GRANBURY GANG AFTER THE RUN!

San Antonio 1/2 Marathon

WE DID IT!!

Sometimes in life, you just have to find a way to push yourself to limits you never thought possible. I could not be more proud of our group that committed to run this 1/2 marathon back in July. It was a huge mountain to climb for many of us! Some of us, it was all about beating a record time, some, it was about saying, "I did it", some wanted to beat others, and some, well, "just wanted to finish". For me, it was a life accomplishment that I never thought I would go for, but once I committed to it, it was my goal and desire for me to run 13.1 miles non stop, and to make it in 2 hours or less. I had some excellent training partners who helped me every week meet the goals and keep pace on a rigerous schedule. Pounding the pavement for about 20-22 miles a week is not easy. (Physically, Mentally, and time consuming) But, our training paid off Sunday, Nov. 16th in San Antonio when we crossed the finish line. I owe a great bit of gratitude to my "Fun Run Club" partners, Todd Garner & Brian Dias. I also am tremendously greatful to my Brother, John David, for getting to experience the race with me side by side through the streets of SA. We partnered up in Corral #5, and set pace for our goal of beating 2 hours. It was a challenge beyond my wildest dream. My training paid off greatly, and we whizzed to mile 11, then the wall hit. The remaining 2 miles was pure guts and heart!! I knew what I had to do, and as the finish line narrowed, so did my vision and stides!! I crossed the finish line at 2:00.20!!! RIGHT ON TIME!!! WOW! Goal barely accomplished. I have to tell you that the last 2 miles, God knew my desires, and helped carry me. You see, almost 14 years ago after I had a total hip replacement at the age of 26, I never imagined having the opportunity to fulfill these kinds of events/activities. So, knowing that my goal was reached, and my body made it, I am thankful to God for His greatness and His ability to give me opportunities like running, something that doctors did not think I would be able to do on a routine basis.

IN ADDITION, I am overly proud of my wife!!!! Back in July, she could not run 1/4 of a mile without being too winded to continue. Her accountability/training partner, Jami Hamrick, (and often, Karla Willmeth) pushed her weekly to train and persevere. I am so happy to report that Leah ran the first 3 miles of the marathon at a 12 minute pace, and successfully finished the race, something she thought she would NEVER do. Way to go honey, and I am so proud of you!!!

CHECK OUT SOME PICS BELOW:

Todd, Jimmy, and Brian = Our own Timber Cove "Fun Run Club" My accountability partners

Running in a 1/2 Marathon with your best friend and brother, = PRICELESS!

The Timber Cove Trotters! Way to go guys, and Thanks for your encouragement and accountability. This is a life lesson for us all and our children to know that we can do anything we can do anything that we put our mind too!

Most of all, to my wonderful wife, who never even ran in her Elementary Turkey Trot, nor any sort of High School Athletic Activity, worked extremely hard in her training to learn how to run, and condition her lungs to make it past "heart attack" mode, did a terrific job, and made it 13.1 miles! I am super proud of you, and thankful you are my partner in this marathon of life. I love you!!! Way to go!

Hey Dad, Watch This!!

Hey Dad! Hey Dad! Hey Dad! Often times those words just never stop. And that is not the phrase that is used most often. The most often phrase is "Hey Mom"!! Well, I have to confess that sometimes it takes away from what I may be doing, but most recently, I have stopped my life, and taken more time for my kids. I wish I could say that I was 100% in tune with all their needs, but now that they are in the "golden years", it is much easier to guide them to be more independant. Like now, I have directed them to get their shower and pajamas on so I could come update my blog. But, my message is this: Take time for my kids. Tonight, Drew asked me, "dad, can we go play catch?" Well, that is not a 5 minute venture anymore. It is one solid hour of throwing and catching the football and talking about his friends, football players, players I liked when I was small, positions I played on my football team, how to punt the ball, etc. It is like he craves the time we are together, and I love it!!! I know these times are limited, and I can remember when my dad played catch with me. No other dad could punt the ball as good as my dad.

Then, there is Delaney! Wow! Reading has just clicked with her, and she is reading everything that gets in her way. So, last night we cuddled up on the couch, and she read to me her 1st grade reading basel, and did a terrific job. I think God everyday for my family, and know that these years are precious, and quick. So, I am taking every moment to soak in the time I have with Drew and Delaney! Because someday, I know it will only be a memory to hear the words, "Hey Dad, Hey Dad, Hey Dad!"

Blogging

Well, I have learned that it is very hard to find time in my schedule to just sit down and blog. My problem is that I have so much to share, I don't know where to start or when to stop, so I have found myself skipping over the thought of even trying to blog. Since Leah has gone back to work, I have found myself being much more responsible for house duties / chores. I stayed home tonight while she took kids to the 1st rehearsal for the Christmas Musical. I folded clothes, made 10 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids lunches, and even managed to put the dirty dishes away. So, who has time to blog, .....plus train for a crazy 1/2 marathon! Wow!

BUT, I took a couple of steps back, and thought, I am so blessed to be apart of such a wonderful family! I would not trade to household chores for anything since I have a fantastic wife and two healthy and fun loving kids! With that said, I hope to again find time to blog soon! AND, since she just sit down to watch "Desparate Housewifes", I certainly did not want to get hooked on that show, so I decided to blog. .....so, until the next episode of DH, see ya soon!

JD

Continually Optimistic!!!!

Memorial Service for Nickie Nicks:
Nickie Nicks, an aide at Granbury Middle School, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2008. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2008, at First Baptist Church.

I had the opportunity to meet Nickie when I arrived at Granbury Middle School in the Spring of 2003. As any new staff member to a new school/organization, it was a slow process in building trust within a new staff. I quickly learned that Nickie Nicks had a fun-loving, upbeat, and optimistic attitude about life. Her attitude was so contagious, I found myself drawn to her often during the school day.
"GOOD MORNING MR. DAWSON", is what she would say as we both would make our way to morning duty together. Often we would exchange a brief visit, and each time we departed, it was something to the effect of, "have a super day". Nickie was very easy to connect with, so as my time at GMS went on, our relationship grew deeper. I had things I would share about my life, and she would share things about her life. One thing we would always do is laugh. She would always say in her cajun draw, "Mr. Dawson, we have to laugh about it to keep our attitude right". So, we would laugh!!
Nickie was very passionate about wanting to raise her son, Cari. She often would come see me and was quick to share the celebrations that Cari would have as he got closer to graduation. I will not ever forget the day he was accepted to Stars Academy, and she was so excited to come tell me that he is going to make it to graduation. AND, he did!!!
I am saddened today as we now look back on her wonderful life. Cancer did take her on Sept. 10th, 2008, as it did her husband on Jan. 1st, 2000. When she was diagnosed with Cancer, she came into school with her normal peppy step, and told me of the diagnosis. Nickie was always optimistic and positive about her life. She had decided that her fight with this cancer was going to be tough, but she told me that God was on her side, and through prayer, everything was going to be good. I loved her attitude, and we talked often about how she felt and how God was working in her life. It is amazing the dignity she displayed on the outside. I know she was totally faithful throughout her battle with Cancer. But, I also know, that what she is now recieving in heaven with her heavenly father, is much better than what she and I ever imagined here on this earth. I know God has looked at Nickie, and said, "well done my good and faithful servant". Wow, I can only imagine how she is smiling now. Praise God for Nickie Nicks and the positive example she was for me!!!!

Family Time

We often feel "buried" and "overloaded" in our lifes. Why is it that we live such a fast paced, over stimulated life?? I often think that in today's information technology world, that we can never quiet get-a-way from the hustle and busle of career, kids activities, church events, etc. etc. etc. Well, we finally did it this summer when we took our trip to Mexico as a family. We did not take a lap-top, cell phone, or even a hint of home with us that would make us feel burdened or stressed. We completely wanted a get-a-way, and we got it. I think Mexico was great, but Leah and I needed to completely reconnect with ourselves and our kids. The greatest gift a parent could give to their child is to love their spouse. I think in turn, Leah and I got a wonderful gift as we saw a precious friendship formed even deeper on our vacation when Drew and Delaney did not have any other distractions, and only had one another. They played, laughed, and got along so well. It was awesome to be able to only make one decision for the day. Pool Or Beach??

Well, it did not take long to get back into the chaos of our world when we returned. Almost immediately, we were buried again with activities and events that consumes our lifes. But, tonight, we called a time out, and just us 4 went to the TCU Horned Frog football game. Traditionally, this event is for Drew and I only, and occasionally, Big Daddy joins us. But we had extra tickets tonight, and so it was a family affair. Wow! It was not Mexico, but we ate nachos, sausage wraps, hamburgers, cotton candy, and ice cream. We took that well needed time out in our lifes, and reconnected. It felt great, and I cherish these times with our kids. As Eddie Sharp shared with us a few weeks again at our marriage retreat, if your children are between the ages 6-11, you are living the "golden years". We'll, I am in the "golden years", and I am going to do what I can to keep the distractions limited, and the connections strong. Hope you'll do the same!!!!

Life at the Dawson's

Well, this certainly is a venture for me, and something I have alway's wanted to do, just never done it. I certainly enjoy going to other blogs, and catching up with the master bloggers of the world, but I hope to keep in touch with friends and family through this newly created blog. We just finished a fun Labor Day weekend with my brothers and their kids, and I hope to publish the pictures soon.

For those of you who don't know the Dawson's that well, I am Jimmy and have been married to my beautiful wife Leah for 15 years. We have two children, Drew, age 9 and Delaney, age 6. Our life has been pretty much a fairy tale, and we can honestly say that each day is "just another day in paradise". We'll, at least through my eyes, I feel that way. .....no, I do know Leah feels the same way. We are so blessed to have our "perfect family", and I hope to share much more about our journey in the future. I am a school administrator, and have been for 12 years, with one year off to go on an adventure ride. God has a way of helping you search for your heart and passion, and those of us who are hard of hearing, we tend to be slow learners. So, God has worked on me over the past two years in more ways than I ever could of imagined. Praise the Lord that I have a super supportive wife and family, and now I am living my dream of being a husband, father, and Principal! Life is good. Leah taught elementary school for 6 years before staying home with Drew and Delaney. She is now back teaching 2nd grade this year after 9 years of being super mom! Now, she is super duper mom and dad is stepping up and taking on many more roles to help keep up the house. Fortunately, Drew and Delaney can fend for themselves in many areas which help us more than ever.

For now, I am going to try to post pictures, and I hope to have some fun things to write about for you to read each week. Thanks for taking off on this journey with me.