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!