Sam has another loose tooth. It’s the one next to the lower-middle one he lost already. He claims that the one above it feels funny, too, but I can’t see it wiggle yet.
Eric’s travel means a shake-up in running plans. I’ll do my longer runs in the gym this week, and my shorter ones with Gabe in the jogger. So I did my fartlek on a treadmill today, and it was rather more successful than when I did it on the road. Can’t wimp out as easily when the treadmill says, “Okay, go fast NOW!” 
Only difference between this week and last is an extra mile on Wednesday. Can do.
One of the ladies who watches Gabe at the gym is a runner, too; she did the Lighthouse 10-mile in 1:45, and she’s signed up for the same half-marathon I am! Good to have real-life people on similar tracks with whom you can check in on a regular basis.
My parents’ vacation starts at the end of this week, and while I know they’re coming up here at some point, I don’t know (or remember) exactly when. Need to find out! Ack!
When we got Sam his iPod, I randomly stuck I Can Only Imagine on it for him, knowing he’s shown mild interest in contemporary Christian music in the past. He loves that song now. Since it’s been over a decade since I listened to that genre myself (Petra flashbacks!), can anyone give me suggestions for other songs he might also enjoy?
We had a ton of leftover birthday cake from the party, and it’s slowly being consumed, primarily by Gabe and Sam. Gabe is eating a piece right now, and he was delighted when I put a little candle in it for him to blow out. 
“Now,” he said then, “where are my presents?”
Finally, as it is Fireworks Season, our neighbors are already well entrenched in the nightly ritual of blowing stuff up. Fireworks Season around here, if you’ll remember, seems to last from mid-June well into August, and it is usually heralded by the Anthem of Sirens (fire, ambulance, and police). Thank God, Sam scares easily enough that when I explained the connection between the two phenomena, he immediately lost any interest he was developing in having our own fireworks here at home. I like watching them, mind; I’ve just read enough news stories (and seen enough America’s Funniest Home Videos) to be tempted to recreate the fun on my own. 
I’m doing this race as my first 50K/ultra in July 2012. I’m so tardy to the party but...
Mercy Me is incredible – other songs by them -
I Worship You
Spoken For
Word of God Speak
In the Blink of an Eye
Homesick
Chris Tomlin’s CD Arriving is incredible – one favorite off of that is Indescribable
Casting Crowns is similar to Mercy Me – well grounded, Biblically sound lyrics. Try:
Voice of Truth
Lifesong
Praise You in the Storm
Your Love is Extravagant
Third Day has been called one of the best rock bands around (not just CC rock band), though I don’t have a problem listening to them. A few that are a bit calmer:
These Thousand Hills
Angus Dei
God of Wonders
You Love, O Lord
Disclaimer: I don’t think I’ve ever picked out music for a seven year old, and the stuff that came to mind are things that are my own favorites. I have CDs of everything I’ve mentioned; next time you’re in Milwaukee, I’d be happy to meet up so you can borrow them. It’s hard to get a fell for stuff from i-tunes sometimes.
Is Sam familiar with Tom Chapin? I know they are “kids” songs, but I admit to enjoying them as well and they usually have a good message. They are more “folk” music-ish. I think his daughter’s started their own group too. Anyway, just a thought.
Sandra Boynton cds!
Uhm… best Christian rock song I know is “Flood” by Jars of Clay.
Buuuuuut you might want to listen to it before you decide whether he should have it on his pod or not. Just slightly harder than Laurie Berkner.
Cool, guys! Kate, Sam loved “Flood.” It’s exactly what he was looking for! He kept saying, “Rockstar songs! Awesome!”
We also got some Third Day and Casting Crowns. He liked a few Tom Chapin songs and one of the Boynton, too, so we’ll keep those on his music “wishlist” (which is starting to get extensive…)
I work at a Christian Bookstore. Songs in the vein of I Can Only Imagine… look for Chris Rice’s Untitled Hymn. (Which is not on his hymn album, which I think is excellent as well.)
The Passion guys are really popular. Chris Tomlin (CCM), particularly his arriving CD is popular.
David Crowder is huge among the youth crowd. He plays the Keytar! — I recommend Foreverandever Etc and Here is our King. — And his music video is very kid friendly! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qOcn97FYQE
If Sam likes Christian Rock Crowder is probably where to go.
And… um DC Talk is still played on the radio despite the band breaking up. If you can find it they have a great cover of the Beatles Help. Jesus Freak and Be In The Light are both excellent songs that I think Sam will like.
Because two years ago, you wouldn’t have been saying that.
And running 10 miles. Wow.
I can’t even *walk* ten miles. heh.
*another mile
Is what I meant. Of course.
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