MILE 11

BIG ORANGE COUNTRY

"When in Rome, do as the Romans."

One can't think about Knoxville without thinking about the University of Tennessee.  It affects everything in the town...from scheduling events to wardrobe selection.

When we first moved to K-town, the selection of orange items in my wardrobe was nonexistent.  In fact, the first UT football game I attended, I wore a black shirt with jeans.  I stuck out like a sore thumb  and went to Walmart the next day to buy an orange UT shirt.  From that game forward, I decided to embrace living in Big Orange country.

The boys' bathroom was painted the orange checkerboard, a huge mural of UT football was painted in Parker's bedroom, and we added a lot of orange to our wardrobe over the next eight years.

We have so many fun memories of attending football, basketball, and baseball games at UT.  And it is fair to say that this Wildcat fan and Gator fan became Vol fans and our boys are "All Vol."

"Rocky Top you'll always be home sweet home to me.  Good 'ole Rocky Top.  Rocky Top Tennessee."

SATURDAY, MAY 18

MILE 10

GETTYSVUE SWIMMING

When Parker had just turned 8, we decided to give the Swim Team at Gettysvue a try.  And so my summers of being a swim mom began.

To say Parker took to it immediately would be putting it lightly.  He loved swimming and was really good.  He quickly identified butterfly, freestyle and eventually backstroke as "his strokes."  Even that first year, he enjoyed receiving lots of blue ribbons. 

Last summer Drake decided to swim on the team.  Wow!  That boy REALLY loved it.  In fact, when we would go to the pool to "play," Drake would just swim laps the whole time.  He was named the Most Dedicated Feeder last summer and clocked the fastest backstroke of the 8 and under boys at GCC.

I've enjoyed many hours by the pool watching practice, talking with my "summer friends" and working swim meets.  I've loved getting to know the fabulous coaches - Denise, Cameron, Jeff, and others.  After 2 years, I decided I should invest in the training to become a "Stroke and Turn Judge."  I learned all of the ins and outs of the strokes and when to disqualify a swimmer (which seems kind of mean when you are doing it).

Parker said that he wants to give up swimming this summer...but I told him not yet.  So next week we will find a new swim community in Tallahassee and begin another wet Mile.

 GCC 9-10 A RELAY TEAM 2010

SATURDAY, MAY 18

MILE 9

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Some of my favorite family outings while living in East Tennessee have been day trips to the Smoky Mountains.  The trips were always mini-vacations away from the business of our lives in K-town.  I love the color of the leaves in the fall, the winding paths along the trails and the sound of the rushing creeks. When we first moved here, we enjoyed the Cades Cove area.  We eventually discovered Abrams Falls and Clingman's Dome.  There were always a few constants:  we always took a peanut butter and jelly picnic, we always skipped rocks, and we always ended up wet.  

Of course you can't think of the Smoky Mountains without thinking of Dollywood and Splash Country.  We enjoyed lots of visits to both parks each year!  As a fan of roller coasters, I prefer Dollywood (especially the Thunderhead).  Bill and the boys prefer Splash Country.  We had Drake on an intertube ride at age 2!

For the past nine years, in November I've taken a girls trip to the outlets in Pigeon Forge.  We never saw much of the mountains...but we shopped until we dropped, ate a little, and laughed a ton!

This mile was the most scenic along the race and full of unforgettable moments.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

MILE 8

ROCKY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

  

Seven years ago, I walked into Rocky Hill Elementary School...excited about Parker starting kindergarten, but pretty clueless.  I didn't know many kids who went to the school - only a few from church and a few in our neighborhood.  And I didn't know about the many activities in an elementary school!  

This year, as Drake began kindergarten, things were different!  I had six years under my belt as a Rocky Hill mom.  I knew lots of people and considered myself the "resident expert" on the happenings at this school (that sounds braggy, doesn't it?)

Here are the highlights of my experience at Rocky Hill:

- All of the FABULOUS teachers that my boys have had:  Sherry Corden, Teresa Goodwin, Ashley McGaha, Bobbie Kobosky, Abby Turner, Myriah Cain, Barbara Sanders, Becky Andrews.  Thank you for challenging my guys and pushing them to be their best.

- Getting to know so many wonderful families!

- Rocky Hill Traditions - Kindergarten Turkey Trot, 100th Day, Q&U Wedding, 2nd Grade Wax Museum (my favorite), 4th Grade Talent Show, 5th Grade Musical

- Candy Cane Cottage - I had the privilege of chairing this event for 4 years.  I have LOVED everything about this event - shopping year round for gifts, dreaming about how to make it bigger, transforming the gym into a holiday wonderland and mostly watching the kids pick out gifts for their family.  Helping families in need with the proceeds makes this one of Rocky Hill's best traditions.

- PTO Events - Movie Night, Rodeo, Pumpkin Party, CCC, Book Fair, The ROCK.  It is always fun to be together as a Rocky Hill community.

- Being a part of the establishment of the Rocky Hill Foundation and the first Great Harvest.

- Serving as PTO President 2011-2012.  There were a lot of highs that year for me - the opening of the Walking Trail, a successful Great Harvest, and a fun and free Rodeo.  I am so grateful to the twelve women who served beside me and the slew of volunteers who gave so much to make the year so special.

I've given a lot of my time to this sweet school over the past 7 years.  But really...I've been the recipient of the better gift.  I've been offered friendship, hugs from children, encouragement, kind words, and lots of laughter.  Rocky Hill = home to me.  Thanks for the memories.  It has been one of the best miles of this race.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

MILE 7

DRAKE

When we moved to Knoxville, I was the mom of an only-child.  Although we wanted another baby, it just wasn't happening.  We went to a specialist and after a year, we started talking about adoption.   Then, a month later, I found out I was expecting.  How joyful we were!  

Drake caused a little excitement early in my pregnancy that  resulted in my being on bedrest for 6 weeks and limited activity after that.  But on March 12, 2007, Franklin Drake Shiell entered the world.  He was healthy and hearty!  (I grow big boys)  He was a charmer from the beginning...doing sweet things like covering his eyes when he was ready to sleep and smiling at any and everyone.

A few things about Drake today at age 6...he loves playing with friends...he loves to swim, play baseball, football and soccer (sound familiar?)...he has an amazing memory...he feels remorse when he has done wrong...he loves anything sweet..Football Guys are his favorite "go to" toy...he's already a FSU Seminole fan...he likes to follow the rules...he is inquisitive...and he still smiles at any and everyone.  Much like my granddaddy Frank Parks (who Drake is named after), Drake embraces life to the full!  When Bill recently asked the boys if they were excited to move to Tallahassee, Drake raised his arms and said, "I am!"  If we all could only accept the changes in life with such enthusiasm!

I think Drake really changed me (or maybe I'm just getting older).  By being on bedrest for those few months, I became more sensitive to those who have to live in a limited physical condition.  I laugh a lot more.  I don't sweat the little things (like what clothes are worn to school).  I treasure milestones and moments.  I'm more laid-back.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, "We waited a long time...but Drake was worth the wait!"

TUESDAY, MAY 14

MILE 6

BEARDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL

I've just spent the day on a golf course with a slew of middle schoolers from East Tennessee.  Parker was one of five students from Bearden Middle School that participated in the Regional Golf Tournament at Millstone Golf Club in Morristown.  So I thought it would be appreciate to share my thoughts on our experience in middle school.

Bearden Middle School gets a lot of bad rap.  I remember when Parker was in second grade, someone asked me if I would send him to Bearden.  At that point, I was focused on getting through early elementary school, but I replied that we were planning on it.  I'm glad that we never changed our minds.  It has been great.  

Here are some of the things I think Parker has taken away from his year at BMS:

- On the first day of school, it is possible to renew friendship with someone you haven't seen since preschool.  In fact, you can even become locker partners!

- It isn't the end of the world if you aren't in class with friends from elementary school.

- Playing an instrument is harder than it looks.

- Golf is harder than it looks.

- There are "bad kids" who cuss and sag (now used as a verb for wearing your pants low).

- You don't dance at middle school dances.

- It is possible to be friends with the cool kids, the smart kids, the band kids, the athletic kids, the not-so athletic kids...and yes, even girls.

Here are a few things that I've discovered:

- There are a TON of great families at Bearden - families just like ours who love their kids and want the best for their school.

- Middle schoolers love to be together.  That is why Bruinaroo was such a success!

- Parker decided this was the year to come out of his shell and start talking in class...apparently a lot.

- The teachers at Bearden really want to teach middle schoolers...which is a definite calling!

- Bearden is a picture of the "real world"...rich, poor, educated, not educated, religious, not religious, special needs, different colored skin, different languages...and it is embraced.  

- Communication is the key to a parent feeling engaged in middle school.  Thanks to Virginia Babb, the BMS teachers and administration, I have a very good idea of what is happening at BMS.

So, for those families with second-graders zoned for Bearden, do not fear!  When someone asks you where your child will go to middle school, you can proudly say, "Bearden!"  It's a great place.

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013

MILE 5

CAMI

For a girl with short hair, there is no one nearly as important as her stylist.  Cami Fogarty at Bella Salon has been cutting and styling my hair for the past five and a half years.  

For my first few years in town, I shopped around - visiting walk-in salons and fancy salons.  But no stylist quite "hit the mark."

In 2008, I was chairing the silent auction of the Rocky Hill Rampage.  Cami had a third grader at Rocky Hill, saw that we were looking for items to auction and made a call to donate five cuts.  Since I was still in the market for a stylist, I decided to "bid" on her cuts.  I won the auction and that marked the beginning of our friendship.

I always tell people that I am a part of the "Hair of the Month Club."  My hair is always changing...long, short, a little longer, really short...highlights, no highlights...flip, tapered...I'm never 100% satisfied.  Fortunately, Cami goes with it!

During my visits to her salon every month, we talk a lot about our children since they go to the same schools (Rocky Hill and Bearden).  We talk about vacations, news around town, illnesses, church (she is a PK), camps...and on and on.  We are friends.

Thank you Cami for five great years of cuts and chats!  My stylist in Tallahassee will have big scissors to fill!

SUNDAY, MAY 12

MILE 4

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF KNOXVILLE

It is difficult to even know where to begin when writing about First Baptist...for it is the reason we came to Knoxville 8 1/2 years ago and it has served as the heartbeat of our time in this city we love.

A pastor's family is in a unique situation when moving to a new town because we immediately have community.  From day one in Knoxville, we had a group who wanted to get to know us.  We had meals delivered to our home, invitations to events, and play groups organized.  It didn't take long for our family to feel that this was home.

So many Sundays I sit in worship and I am in awe at the beauty of the grand sanctuary.  I've been to a lot of churches, but there are very few that I sense the majesty of God as I do in this place.

In worship, I've been touched to the core so many times...through an anthem, a child making a decision to accept Christ, a friend's smile, a baby dedication,  a graduate, a "new kid on the pew," a solo, a reading, a testimony...One of the most touching memories I have is when our deaf congregation joined us for worship one morning.  There was a man attending who was not only deaf, but also blind.  So, the music and Bill's sermon were first interpreted by sign language to a deaf man who then signed into the deaf/blind man's hands.  Isn't that a wonderful picture?

In this place, my Drake was welcomed and dedicated.  He was the first baby born to a Senior Pastor in 87 years.  Do you think he wasn't loved?

 

In this place, my Parker accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized on Easter morning 2011.  Unforgettable moment for this Mom and Dad.

But, a church is not only a place.  It is a people.  FBC Knoxville has loved our family deeply.  I can look through the directory and tell stories about so many people that have touched my life...

...like Gerry E. who always brought a unique Christmas gift to me
...Tommy N. who built shelves in my son's room and benches for Kids Connection
...Billy W. who made a chocolate cake for our birthday
...Mark & Wendy who served communion to me at my home when I was on bedrest
...Andy, Ray & Marion who built steps to our treehouse
...Greg & Kay who sent flowers each year on Bill's anniversary of the church
...Wanda, Frances, Susan, Alice, Betty, & Karen who were my kitchen help for my Open Houses
...Sandy & Mercy who hosted a brunch for my sister's wedding
...Bob B. who I play Scramble with
...Judy who taught every 3 year old, "Special, Special."
...the Coley Class
...Mac who took us on a ride down the river
...Bill & Sharon who brought me ice cream from my hometown
...Bill & Bobbie who gave us a White House Ornament every year
...Charles who asks each week if I'd been to New Orleans or bought a new car
...Suzanne, Erica, Kristi, Carolyn, & Tina who were all pregnant at the same time I was!
...Bob who delivered a tool box to our house
...Dena who gives my boys tootsie rolls
...Scott & Jaynie who gave me a cheese grater
...Chuck & Pam, Fred & Dickie and AC & Maxine who shared their beach homes
                 ...and many, many more.

I've been privileged to be a part of FBC's children's ministry for the past 6 years.  I've painted lime green walls, built a giant paper mache tree...but mostly been loved on by kids.   They have challenged me with their faith questions and inspired me by their love for church and one another.

So, thank you for the memories FBC...of RA Racers, Christmas Brunches, Easter Egg Hunts, Camps, Sunday School, Staff dinners, RA Gliders, picnics, Trunk or Treats, hayrides at the Anderson's, VBS's, Sanctuary Choir, 3&4 year old choir rehearsals, Christmas parties...
Knowing you has drawn me closer to our Lord.  And at the end of the day, that is what church is all about.

"Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.  I can feel His mighty power an His grace.  I can feel the brush of angels wings.  I see glory on each face.  Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place."

SATURDAY, MAY 11

MILE 3

LAKESHORE PARK

It was gloomy today when I took this picture...but this is my favorite view in Knoxville.  I'm not sure if it is the view of the Tennessee River or the memory of fall color on the trees...or the baseball fields, but I love it here.

I distinctly remember my first walk around the 2.1 mile track and coming to this spot.  It was fall and I remember thinking what a beautiful part of the world this was.

I've had hundreds of walks around Lakeshore Park...sharing conversations with friends about life and parenting.  It was here that I first started running (although I admit that I never quite tackled THE HILL).  Here I watched Parker and Drake learn to play baseball, celebrated lots of wins and consoled through lots of losses.  Here I enjoyed making new friends and visiting with old friends.  Here I watched Parker practice football and watched Drake and Andrew climb fences.

Lakeshore is a special place.

FRIDAY, MAY 10

MILE 2

PARKER

Twelve years ago today, this little guy entered my world and I've never been the same.  Parker was the perfect baby who slept through the night at 3 weeks old.  He was a super toddler who went everywhere with us and easily entertained himself.  When we moved to Knoxville, Parker was a shy 3 1/2 year old who quickly adapted to his new school, church and friends.  Now, about to complete sixth grade, Parker is a mature, fun-loving, and smart kid who makes me so proud.

Here are twelve things I love most about Parker:

1.  He loves to eat.  Other friends have trouble with their kids being picky eaters...not me.  Parker loves to try new food and really enjoys well prepared food.  This afternoon he and some buddies are having a milkshake at Long's and tonight we are going to have steak at Ruth's Chris.  Enough said?

2.  He is an "in the moment guy." People often ask what Parker's favorite sport is and I always reply, "Whatever he is playing at that moment."  It's true. 

3.  He is fiercely loyal to his friends.  Parker would love to spend every waking moment with a friend and would "go to bat" for any one of them.  I get it.  I'm the same way.  I'm grateful that he has so many nice friends in his life. 

4.  He is determined.  Watch him swim.  Watch him golf.  Watch him play football.  Some call it competitive, but Parker puts his all into the things he chooses to invest his time.   

5.  He is tough.  Three years ago, he broke his arm playing football and did not shed a tear.  In fact, he continued to play for 2 more quarters.  I love this posed "tough" face.

6.  He loves music.  He plays the baritone in middle school band.  He sings in the church youth choir.  But mostly, he listens to music on his ipod.

7.  He loves an adventure.  Last summer, Parker traveled to Detroit, MI with 47 other eleven year olds to be a part of a month-long CISV Village.  Twelve countries were represented and they were exposed to different languages and cultures.  Now he has friends all over the world.

8.  He can have a deep, philosophical, adult conversation and seconds later be silly like a 5 year old.  That is middle school, right?

9.  He relates to people of all ages.  One of Parker's closest friends is 3 years older...and he also loves hanging out with friends 3-4 years younger.  When he was four, he invited our realtor to his birthday party.  He regularly invites adult friends to Sunday lunch.  Age has never been a barrier to Parker when making friends.

10.  He is fun.  He loves to laugh.  He loves to play.  He loves being outside.  He loves people.

 11.  He loves a good party.  Parker and I typically spend months planning his birthday parties.  We used to look through books for themes and ideas...and our parties are always fun.  My favorite was his 7 year old "Splash Bash" - which all started with Parker wanting a dunking booth.  

12.  He embraces change.  It may be hard.  It may take a little time.  But when Parker sees change happening, he not only accepts it, but embraces it.  When we told him we were moving to Tallahassee, he was very quiet.  We talked it through (I had a career in sales which has served me well in parenting).  We visited Tally.  And then we went to the FSU bookstore to buy some FSU shirts.  I am so proud of how he has handled this change and can't wait to see how well he adapts!

You might say that Parker has been one of the keys to my happiness in K-town because he has been the hub of my activities since moving here.  My friends are the moms of his friends.  His school became the place where I invested my time.  I began teaching children's Sunday School because that is where Parker was.  Our house became one of the neighborhood gathering places.  I love this boy and I'm forever grateful that God allowed me to be his mom. 

Happy 12th birthday Parker!  Let's go eat some steak!

13.1 - MY THOUGHTS ON RUNNING AND KNOXVILLE

Three and a half years ago, my friend Kristin had an idea.  She said, "Let's start running.  I found a plan where we can work up to a 5K in 12 weeks."  I laughed since I honestly had never run a mile.  But because it was something I could do with a friend, I agreed.  I signed up for a 5K race and began running.  

Last weekend, I finished my third half marathon.  I love a race.  In fact, registering for a race is one of the only things that keeps me running.  I love the crowd, the course, the water stations, the adrenaline, and the thrill of the finish.

When I was driving home from "The Flying Pig" last weekend, I started thinking about what the Bible said about running:  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12: 1-2.  Yes, God has given us a race to run.  But maybe our lives are not one race, but a series of races...small chapters that make up the whole.  

For the past 8 1/2 years, I've been in the "Knoxville Race."  The course has been great - lots of friends that I've met along the run, some uphill challenges, a lot of downhill blissful moments (ahhh!)...but mostly a course that has allowed a steady, even pace and pushed me forward.

I now have 13.1 days left in this race before beginning a new one.  So, I'd like to share 13.1 things that I am grateful for on this part of the journey.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

MILE 1

JENNY

Meet my lifelong best friend of 39 years - Jennifer Turner Smith...or Jenny to me.  Our moms were pregnant together and we were born exactly 3 weeks apart in 1973.  We grew up going to the same church, same schools and walking to and from each other's houses thousands of times.  We didn't go to the same college and we've lived apart since high school.  But we've always been friends.  Really, almost sisters.  She lives in Fort Thomas, Kentucky with her husband, Nate, and three children.

When I told Jenn that we were moving to Tallahassee, she was upset.  She said, "I can't even talk about it."  I told her that she couldn't say that...we don't live in the same town now.  But she went on about all of the trips we've made to and from Knoxville to Cincinnati and how our kids have become such good friends.  She's right (she normally is).  It will be different.  A four hour drive is much more doable than a twelve hour drive.  But, we'll make it work.

So, thank you Jenny for being a part of my Knoxville Race...9 years of shopping weekends in Pigeon Forge, Cumberland, baby showers, Spring Break trips, Fort Thomas 4th of Julys, Circus, waterparks, Kings Island, Graeters, Larosa's, and most recently, running "The Pig!"  Thank you for making me laugh and allowing me to be myself along the way.  "Near and Dear"...yep, that describes our friendship.  I love you.