new race, new motivation :D

It's been a rough week as far as training goes...and when I say rough I mean almost non-existent.

But today is my day! I am heading to my parents' after work to run on the treadmill.  This subzero winter weather is killing me! blech!

To combat my winter blahs I just signed up for another race...the CNY Springtime 10K. 

Also got a card and a save the date magnet in the mail for our March race from my sister.  Her card brightened my day.

Even my phone chastised me last night for my lack of running...

In other unrelated news...
I have a new nephew as of a few minutes ago!!! Woo-hoo! I wish I could go see his precious baby face in person! Eagerly awaiting his first photo! Welcome Owen! Aunt Amy Loves you :D

Winter Encampment

The girls and I had a great time this weekend!  Hannah thoroughly enjoyed her very first Girl Scout encampment experience.

I was so thankful to see that there was little to no snow falling Friday night. The other moms/leaders exclaimed over and over this was the best drive they have ever had.  Usually it is an all out blizzard for the drive to camp.

This is the Lodge we stayed in.

We got settled in waiting for Mikayla's troop to arrive. The older girls had to leave a bit later since there was a sports conflict. But they arrived safely and happily an hour or so later. We unloaded their gear and the groceries and then trekked outside to make ice cream in the snow.  Which basically is done using two coffee cans (a smaller one inside a large one) and rolling or shaking it out in the cold and snow... Click HERE to see a recipe example.

Ours came out a little soft and soupy but still delicious.

Saturday Morning Mikayla's troop made breakfast.  Chocolate chip pancakes and sausages.  After breakfast was cleaned up the girls started working on various projects.  Hannah's troop was working on their Science and  Household Elf badges.  They made silly putty, did a couple experiments with balloons, and made homemade glass cleaner. 

Making silly putty....SLIMY!

The middle girls worked on woodworking badge and made frames for themselves and the younger girls.  Later in the afternoon the girls painted the frames and their first initial to put in the frame.

Mikayla's troop was working on decor projects for their bedrooms.  They did a painted "stained glass" picture and decorated a mirror.


The younger girls made lunch. We had sandwiches and fruit salad. After the older girls cleaned up we headed outside for a hike.


There was lots of snow throwing involved too....



I tried to use my runtastic app to work to see how far we really walked but it wouldn't work. :P

Back at the lodge, the younger girls worked on painting their frames and letters.


The older girls did some sewing.  They made two pillow cases each, one for them and one to donate to Vera House.


The younger girls made two fleece tie blankets also to donate to Vera House.


They enjoyed some "free time" until supper. The older girls made Chicken Quesadillas and Salad.

After dinner the girls made "Girl Scout Trailmix"
Each girl read a line from the poem and added an ingredient-


Mik and Anna helped the two youngest girls read their parts....

Grow A Girl Scout Troop (Trail Mix Ceremony)

• Girl Scouts come in all colors, from all races around the world. Every Girl Scout is a sister no matter where she is from, no matter the language she speaks, no matter the color of her skin. God loves variety, and Girl Scouts are the colors of the rainbow. (M & M CANDIES) 
• We have a promise and a law. On our honor, we try to do our best to be fair and square. (CHEX CEREAL) 
• Some of us are tall, and some of us are small. When we get together, size doesn't matter at all. (PRETZEL THINS AND MINI MARSHMALLOWS) 
• Sometimes we are nutty. We love to joke and pl ay. We'd love to put a Girl Scout smile into everyone's day. (NUTS) 
• Sometimes we are quiet and thoughtful. We have special gifts of love and caring to give in service to those who need our help. (GOLDFISH CRACKERS) 
• When we get together, we seem to make circles. We may sit in circles, play circle games, make a Friendship Circle. You could say that we are well-rounded. (CHEERIOS) 
• When we are busy planning a project, or doing a craft, we pop around until we're done. (POPCORN) 
• Girl Scouts respect all living things. The earth is our home and we want to keep it safe for everyone. (ANIMAL CRACKERS) 
• Girl Scouts are "chips off the old block". Girl Scouting began in 1912. Since then we all have been part of an old tradition, and are proud to be part of the future. (CHOCOLATE CHIPS) 
• We get a kick out of wearing our uniforms, learning new things, helping others, and being together with our friends. (KIX CEREAL) 
• Young Girl Scouts may be hard to resist because they are fresh, sweet and new. But the older scout maybe more fun, because she has more experience. (RAISINS)

Sunday morning we had cereal for breakfast, cleaned up, packed up and headed home!

a Camping we will Go...and other randomness

Tonight we are going Winter Camping. Yes me.

My sweet little Hannah joined Girl Scouts this year.  Being that she is only a Daisy, the youngest of the Girl Scouts-- a parent is required to join her for the winter encampment. So there you have it.  This mommy doesn't have the heart to say "Sorry-- you'll just have to wait until next year when you can go solo."  She is so excited.  How can I not be the teensiest bit excited too. ;-) Channeling my inner Elsa and bringing lots of warm layers!

Also if you are in the market for girl scout cookies, the sale starts in a week or so! Both my girls will be peddling cookies this year. ;-)


I added another item to my bucket list recently...
This is one of those out there...way far in the future...ultimate goals...probably once in a life time events.

To run a Disney race.  Specifically the Princess 1/2 Marathon.

  I love Disney and especially the Princesses a ridiculous amount.  I have been to Disney World once, I was 17 years old, it was my Senior year of high school.  And yes I enjoyed it like a small child.  I still have pictures and my baseball cap that I had all sorts of Disney Characters sign.

I would love to take my kids, (especially the girls-- who love the Princesses just like their mama) to Disney someday.  Running the Princess Half would be the icing on my cupcake ;)  If it was at such a time that the girls would and could run with me, I think I would die of happiness on the spot.

For the last week or so I have been stalking all things Disney and Running on Pinterest. I have a secret RunDisney board so people don't think I am totally nuts! :P

In other running news, a Christmas present from my mister came in the mail in Tuesday.  I love, love LOVE it! Just need to decide where to hang it up :)

One step at a time...

 I saw the above post on facebook this morning.  A good reminder to me to just work on the next thing and not get totally overwhelmed by looking at the whole big picture.

Saturday one of my projects was to clean the fridge.  It was a daunting task but it made me feel happy and accomplished.

A happy clean fridge :)

Mikayla also organized the pantry. She had fun with the labler too, making shelf labels for both the fridge and pantry. The next step will be the outside of the fridge.  And possibly the freezer.

live

Today I was a little bummed to see it dawn snowy and cold... But as I sat at my kitchen table, coffee in hand, Bible and journal before me.  My attitude quickly changed.  I am so happy to be alive.  To have today.  To sit there and enjoy the beauty.  To pray and have my soul filled.

Today's devo was perfect, as it talked about how we can get bogged down and discouraged with all the bad in the world.  But God is still there.  He still cares.  He still loves us and above all is still in control.

"But we also need to be able to identify the good-- and the way God is at work-- in our culture.
No matter how bad things may seem, God is indeed at work."

"Help me to remember that this is your world and that you have not only overcome it, but that you reign above it."  (Known and Loved, p.66)

I have told you these things so that in me you ay have peace. In this world you will have trouble but take heart.  I have overcome the word.  

John 16:33

I spent a lot of time looking at pictures and reading posts in the Meg's Miles group on facebook.  It was sad, yet encouraging to see how many lives she touched.  Makes me mindful of the life I lead and the legacy I hope to have.

Finally in the afternoon the snow seemed to be letting up a bit.  I was eager to not let a training day go by and also Run for Meg.  According to the event on facebook, over 93,000 people pledged to Run for Meg today. 

As I walked out the door, my mister urged me to please be careful.  I promised I would.  As I ran I enjoyed the peacefulness of freshly fallen snow.  Thought about my running journey. Prayed for Meg's family and friends and all affected by this tragedy.  My own family and that I would be the light God needs for me to be in this sometimes dark world.

I ran my miles for Meg, and for myself proving I could. That I was in fact- a runner...

I saw this post on facebook.  I needed to see it as I am nearly always telling myself I am not yet a real runner.  But I am...I am just on a different chapter. I would say this applies to all areas of life.  I am working to be happy and content and and enjoy the chapter I am in...who knows what the next one may bring.

#megsmiles

Through the lovely Facebook running community I learned about a young mom who was killed this week.  She was out for a run and struck by a drunk driver.  I don't know Meg.  I don't know her family.  But my heart aches for them.

It has struck particularly close to home as she was a mom of three.  So I am.  She was 34.  I will be 34 in March.  She was hit by a car while running.  One of my worst fears.

On Facebook a group has been organized in her memory.  People all over the world are running in her memory this coming Saturday.  It has been wonderful, in a sad bitter sweet type of way, reading the testimonies of those who knew and loved her.  What a light and legacy this lovely lady leaves behind.  It makes me once again realize how precious and fleeting life is.  To live each day to the fullest.  Make sure my family knows each day how much I treasure them and to shine the light of Jesus where ever I go.

You can also read more about it- on the event page via Facebook Meg's Miles; below is an excerpt from the event page.

"In her honor, our hope is to raise awareness of drunk driving, texting and driving, and overall safety of runners and cyclists everywhere.

This Saturday, January 18, 2014, no matter what your distance, no matter where you live, run for Meg. Take in the fresh air, be aware of your surroundings, keep your headphones on low, feel the heaviness in your lungs, the soreness in your legs, and be grateful for it--for all of it. The sweat, the pain, the wind, the cold…everything. Be grateful for that moment.

Feel free to post pictures of yourself pre-run or post-run, post your distance, post your thoughts, prayers, condolences with the hashtag #megsmiles. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook. Let all runners unite together and remember the loss of a beautiful spirit. It's not a coincidence the hashtag reads either "Meg's Miles" or "Meg Smiles." She will be smiling on all of us forevermore."

I am going to run on Saturday. I am going to wear Blue, her favorite color. I am going to pray for her husband and three children.  It is so tragic and hard to lose anyone you love.  But I would imagine losing your mother, especially as a child has to be about the worst.

start small

I finally completed a few small organization projects last night.  It made me very happy. :)

One my "Tupperware" cupboard.





Two the "junk" drawer...oh my word! It was practically overflowing.  And indeed filled with junk...a lot of it made its way to the trash bin...





I also took time to organize my recipe binder, to punch holes in all the loose pages floating around and actually put them in the binder! Discarded ones that I probably won't make again. ;-)

My favorite spot

Thank you Father for this new day. Thank you I am alive.
That I have another day to serve you and my family. Make me a blessing today.

My favorite spot, morning coffee and devo time.  I love sitting at my kitchen table, enjoying the peace of the morning, watching the sky turn light.  Feeling at peace and in communion with God.

They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
    and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

They tell of the power of your awesome works—
    and I will proclaim your great deeds. 

 They celebrate your abundant goodness
    and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Psalm 145:5-7 NIV 

I am reading a few different books right now in conjunction with my devo time.  Five to be exact ;)  Sometimes I just can't help starting a new book.  I don't read them all everyday, but they always seem to mesh whichever combination I choose.  God is pretty amazing that way.  I also love that I have four out of the five on my kindle, and also on the kindle app on my phone.  So I pretty much always have them with me if I have a few spare minutes to read. ;-)

• Known and Loved 52 devotions from the Psalms This has been great.  It is currently $5.32 on amazon for the Kindle.  I love the Psalms one of my favorite parts of the Bible.  It has been a great refreshing start to the new year.
  
• Power of a Praying Wife Devotional- I have had this one a couple years now.  I just keep coming back to it now and then.  A great tool to use in prayer for my Mister
• A Confident Heart- I happened upon this book by chance on Facebook a day it was being offered FREE for the kindle version.  I snapped it right up because who doesn't love free books? And Confidence is also the word I choose for 2014.
• A Woman's Gotta Do- I picked up this one after my friend started an online study/discussion group on facebook.  I was thrilled on Monday on my lunch break to be able to get in on a little bit of the online discussion. :D
  
• The last one is one that has been on my list for a while, Made to Crave, ever since they featured it on KLOVE a year or two ago.  We have also been kicking around the idea of doing it as a Women of Grace Study.  I sorely miss my Bible Study Girls! It's be great to resurrect our group.  I am about halfway through the book, it talks about how we are made to crave God and how nothing else will fill that void but Him.  It mainly talks about food issues, but you could apply the same principles to whatever it is you struggle with craving as opposed to God.  I also gave Mikayla the teen version, mostly because it was ridiculously cheep on CBD.  I am curious is it varies at all from the regular version.  Have thought about doing it as a teen {girl} bible study too, we'll see what happens. ;)
  

What are you reading currently? What are you using in your devo time? New Year's is a great time to breath new life into your Devo Time with God. ;-)

Update...

I have not been doing well on my "happiness project".  At all. I just don't have it in me to clean and organize right now. I have started cleaning my room a dozen times, every time I make a little headway it's almost immediately lost.

My goals for January include-

• Cleaning my room and making it into a haven and sanctuary
• Keeping the piano bench clean and clear
• Making my menu plan and shopping list ahead of time
• Making sure the living room and kitchen are tidy before I go to bed

I have successfully made my menu this week, and have next weeks started.  So that's something I guess.

Maybe January exercise/fitness will be my focus instead. :P I have been completely consumed with thinking about running.

This morning's (almost) 2 mile run.  So bummed that it wasn't 2 miles-- not sure where I lost that extra .11 mile since its the same route I have run before but whatever.  A balmy 41* F and a light refreshing rain! Haha! I was pleasantly surprised how water proof my jacket turned out to be.  For some reason I wasn't expecting it to be. I actually found this run quite enjoyable.

Before my run I was frustrated and overwhelmed.  Again wondering what I was thinking, not just the physical demands of the run but the money I was going to pour into this ridiculous venture as well.  I felt better after getting in a run. I'll just go step by step.  Looking at the big picture is far to overwhelming.  It will all work out in the end  I suppose.

I was surprised this week how many times perspective has popped up. Its something I need to work on.  To pay attention to the words that come out of my mouth, as well as the ones I am saying to myself.

This is my verse for this week:
 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things

Philippians 4:8

Am I Really Doing This?????

Thirteen point one miles...I have lost my mind.  What possesses a person to want to run 13 miles, especially a person whose greatest running accomplishment thus far is running 3{ish} miles a mere fraction of that.  At the same time I am incredibly excited about the possibility.

I have picked out a training plan and am steadily working towards my goal.  Well you know for all three days so far. ;-)  I have a two mile run planned for this afternoon, and I am also enjoying the camaraderie of my cousins and sister.  Our little running group, encouraging each other and keeping each other accountable.

It's Official!

I just signed up to run a half marathon!  I can not believe it!  I blame my cousins.

So we say

Can you believe 2013 is over?  I can't.  It has flown by. 2013 was not an easy year for me, but it was filled with lots of good.

Several weeks ago, I think I was back in October.  I decided that my word for 2014 was going to be Confidence.  I have noticed that while I often know the right answer, because of my lack of confidence, my answers come out timid and/or  accompanied by I think... One of my goals is to speak with more authority.  To be confident of the things that I KNOW.  To believe in myself and accomplish my goals... Like running a half marathon this year at some point.

My Confidence verse for January is 

So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?”  Hebrews 13:6 (NIV1984)

I am also working on my Happiness Project this year.  January is my month for getting organized and decluttering.  So far I am off to a slow start.  Yesterday I did finally clean my stove.  Small step but it felt good!  Started putting away Christmas too.  Sadly.  But our tree is dying and the mister wants to get it out of the house.  So Hannah and I removed the lights and decorations and packed them away for next year.  Ryan also moved one of the new cast off bookshelves we received from Mimi and Papa to his room and finally got his books put away.  It made me happy to peek in his room last night and see the shelf standing in the corner.  The first shelf full of his loved books.

My goals for January include-

• Cleaning my room and making it into a haven and sanctuary
• Keeping the piano bench clean and clear
• Making my menu plan and shopping list ahead of time
• Making sure the living room and kitchen are tidy before I go to bed

I am thankful this year I was able to go to Grammy and Pa's again for New Years.  There is nothing more precious to me than my family.  I am thankful the chance to hug my Pa again.  To tell him I love him.  To see he is doing all right.  When earlier this year I was sure I was never going to see him again.  God is good and I will treasure every day with my family.  And take advantage of every chance to spend time with them.  We never know what tomorrow will bring.

On New Years Eve the cousins sat around in the living room, our talk turned to running.  The passion we came to share this year.  We threw out the idea of going for a morning run together and on a whim decided to go for it.

New Years Morning dawned frigid and snowy.   Laura and I looked at each other wondering if we were really going to do this.  She texted Kelly and Eric, they said they were still in if we were.  Later as we were running snowy hills Kelly confessed she didn't want to go but wasn't going to be the one to chicken out.  We all laughed as I think we all had the same thought.  But I am so glad we did it, it was #awesome.  So much fun.  It definitely was a great start to the new year and rekindled my love and passion for running.  It also removed most of my fear of running on the road, in the snow and cold.  It wasn't bad at all.  My new running jacket is awesome and kept me toasty warm.


Our before shot, at the top of Grammy's driveway.




I could not keep up the pace.  My goal is to be able to keep up with them next New Years. ;-)


But I didn't quit!  It felt amazing...even when I lost feeling from the knees down.  #freezing.




Our after shot, at the bottom of Grammy's driveway.


Andy took a different route and was back way before us, toasty warm and engaged in a Chess game with Rich.

I hope maybe we can make our New Year's run a tradition.  Eric is running the Pittsburgh Marathon in May.  Kelly hopes to join him.  Laura has committed to doing the half that day.  I am on the verge of committing to it myself.  Am I crazy?!? It seems like an insurmountable task at this point.  Kelly reminded me of this...

I am thinking about getting this t shirt to wear while I am training...

Happy New Year! What are your goals, resolutions, dreams for 2014.  Make it a GREAT year!