everyday can be...

Yesterday as the Mister headed out to work, he kissed me good-bye, we said I love yous. I told him to have a great day. He said he would wish me the same but... It was Tuesday.  I hate Tuesday's because I miss being home with the family at night.  As he left I pondered what he had said and resolved I was going to have a great day.  No. Matter. What. And know what??? I did. =)

I am thankful, for so many things. I have been struggling so much, at every turn it seems.  To the point I even wondered if maybe I was/am depressed or something. The craziest little things can bring me to the depths of despair.

Today though, my heart is light and full of joy and gratitude. I am remembering to count my gifts, my blessings.  To hold fast to His promises.

• A text from my brother. <3 I miss him. I honestly didn't think/know he ever read my blog :P Sometimes I forget people do read this stuff...

•  My friend posted a video clip of her kids singing 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord). Hearing their sweet little voices sing. Ahhh chills, this is what its all about. It keeps coming back to my heart, like a prayer...just as Ashton said.

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name.

• This morning my devotional talked about being still.  We spend so much time rushing here and there.  God often gets pushed to the side.  Even when I do finally stop, its often hard to still my mind and heart.  

• Psalm 119:32 (NIV 1984) -- I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
• This blog entry from my favorite running blogger =) reminding me why I run and to not quit
• The flowers on my front steps, a reminder of the fantastic wedding this past weekend <3
• A great night at work, awesome co-workers
• Whenever I am driving {because that's when I listen to KLOVE} and feeling particularly discouraged, the song Glorious Unfolding seems to come on the radio. It always feel like a hug from God. A reminder I don't have to figure it out.  God's got this...& its going to be glorious.

daybook 9.23.14

FOR TODAY: Tuesday 9.23.14

Outside my window...its a beautiful, sunshiney, fall day

I am thinking (& praying for)... about my sister and her new Mister <3; My sweet friend who lost her mister last week :'( ; another friend whose birthday just happens to be today ;)

I am thankful... for today.  Even though its tuesday, the long day. The hard day.  Its going to be a good one.  I will not be defeated or discouraged. I will live this crazy life to the fullest.

In the kitchen... the beginnings of potato soup in the ole crock pot

I am wearing... warm clothes because. Fall. And I am chilly.

I am creating... not much of anything...need to get fabric for the back of Owen's quilt.  Hannah was briefly knitting last night...made me want to crochet again. Fall and winter great times for being crafty.

I am going... to take part in the Living & Active Challenge

I am wondering... if its lunchtime yet :P

I am reading... random library book, I can't remember the name and am not far enough in to know if I will finish it; or abandon it.

I am hoping... that its getting better

I am looking forward to... this weekend.  Another wedding with my Mister.
A trip to Grammy & Pa's and more shenanigans with the Synder Clan

I am learning... to be content

I am pondering... how to stay on the upswing

A favorite quote for today...
 

One of my favorite things... just being with my Mister. <3

A few plans for the rest of the week: a funeral :'(
Girl scouts.
FRIDAY its off to Grammy and Pa's!!! :D
Erin & Aaron's wedding on Saturday with my awesome Snyder cousins.

A peek into my day...

Linking up with The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Wedding Day 5K

Saturday was my sister's wedding day. I think it was on New Year's sitting around at Grammy's, Laura commented on how a 5K she and Rich had run together last fall, was on her wedding day this year.  We joked about going to the race before the wedding....then we came up with the idea of running our own 5K the morning of the wedding.  And so we did.  Showing up bright and early at the park near my sister's apartment.  It was chilly and windy. But spirits and excitement were high.  It was pretty informal.  The only time and distance measure was Laura's Nike watch.

I just love this picture Mikayla took of myself and Hannah before the start of the run...

 

Here we go....

It was really fun. Mostly. I am trying to hold on to the fun moments and let go of my frustration and disappointment.  I wonder if I will ever get my act together enough to feel like a real runner.  To not be frustrated and embarrassed on group runs or races.

I could not keep up and slowly watched the distance between myself and the other {real} runners increase.  Laura ran with me for a bit.  When I slowed to a walk, she offered to wait, but I told her to go. Frustrated with myself it was all I could to not cry.  Only good thoughts I kept repeating to myself. You are strong, you can do this.

I watched Laura and Rich sprint to the turn around point together, and the group headed back towards me.  I had in mind to just turn around and follow as they passed me....but as they did Eric pulled up by my side... Wanna run it? he asked.  Alright. I agreed and we jogged towards the turn around point.  Eric kept me company for the remaining half of the run.  Chatting with me, letting me set the pace.  Making me not feel like a complete loser.  Getting me to that finish line.  He is a great coach ;-)

The Bride and Groom finishing hand in hand

Such an adorable couple <3

We got a random stranger to take a group shot.

Post Run snacks...







I think we could have stayed there all day, laughing and chatting...BUT we had a Wedding to get ready for! Laura, Mikayla and I rushed off to shower and head to our hair appointment. =)

So in spite of my frustration that day, and again as I looked at the pictures. It was fun. I love running despite the fact that-- I apparently suck at it.  I need to work on building up strength and endurance {again}.  I need to just get out there more consistently.  And to remember its not about anyone else.  Running is about. Me.  I don't have to be as good or as fast as anyone else.  I have been slacking, I record my runs in yellow on my calendar...as you can see there are far more blank white days, than yellow. The last time I did more than 2 miles was sometime in August. :-/

I got out there today.  It was hard, and I was mildly discouraged....but maybe tomorrow will be just a little easier.  I need to work on my running form, I look like a dork and speed walker in all action shots. Any tips greatly appreciated.

Because I look awful in the race pics...I am posting this to make myself feel better... I felt amazing in my bridesmaid apparel. ;-)

And my dear sister made a positively stunning bride...

~~~~~

I have been stuck under a black cloud...stress. Money. Stress.

Then you receive news that rocks your world a little.  News that makes you realize. None of it
 matters.  People matter. Family matters. God Matters. Everything else. Whatever.

Yesterday one of my dearest friends lost her husband, three wonderful teens lost their dad.  And my heart hurts. It hurts for them.  My prayers are with them.  That God would comfort and sustain them.

The verse from the scripture my Dad used at Jared's funeral keeps coming back to me.  It has been one of my favorite verses since that day.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
    the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
    from those whose walk is blameless.

Psalm 84:11

I am thankful that in spite of it all. God is still there.  He will always be.  And He will be enough if we let Him.  This world is so uncertain.  But He will see us through.  He can give us peace and joy in the hard times.

Tomorrow is my sister's wedding day.  Already this morning she and I, we talked of Jared.  How much we wish he would be here this weekend.  We know he'd be running with us tomorrow if he were here. Right there in the thick of it.  Cracking us up.  Laughing that laugh.

Its been six years but we still miss him everyday...especially days like tomorrow.

I hope he and Grandpa get to see...

I don't know what heaven is like but maybe, just maybe Jared will be running with us tomorrow...even if we can't see him.

Hug your children.  Kiss your husband.

Let those you love know they are treasured.

Daybook 9.16.14

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... is gray and gloomy.  And NOISE from tree removal and wood chipping next door.

I am thinking... It's my Grandma's birthday! She is 90 today! That I am blessed to have such a woman in my life.

I am thankful... yesterday I had a list a mile long....trying to remember some of them...

• My dad's sermon on Sunday

• Sitting next to my sister in Church 
• Bringing Mikayla's friend to church
• Celebrating September birthdays...
• Being there to pray for my cousin
• Worshiping on my drive *KLOVE*
• a "gift" from my boss {R5 backdrop that was being discarded...He thought my kids might like it...He was right}.




• Mikayla's Birthday! 15 years, every moment a joy. I love this kid. I am so proud of the young lady she is becoming.
  

  

  Olaf birthday cake

• Time chatting with the kids in the kitchen before school... that they choose that-- instead of turning on the TV
• for friends
• The nice lady at tha gas station who didn't laugh when I paid partially in quarters :/

In the kitchen... chicken in the crock pot; leftover birthday cake ;)

I am wearing... khakis and a pink shirt...wishing I didn't forget my sweater at omx last night

I am creating... a better attitude ;-P

I am going... to choose JOY

I am wondering... if it will ever be better...seriously

I am reading... Let's all be Brave, I am not sure yet what I think.  I have definitely gleaned some nuggets.  Its an easy read, read more than half at one sitting. I am not sure it is what I was expecting. I was hoping for more of a study type book I think.

I am hoping... that my sister has an absolutely glorious wedding day {I know she will} and praying for her and her husband-to-be as they begin their married life together <3

I am looking forward to... my sister's wedding on Saturday!!! Seeing the Snyder Clan, hanging out with the cousins at the wedding <3

I am learning... perspective is everything

Around the house... are remanents of last night's birthday celebration

I am pondering... How to make things better, to be stronger. 

A favorite quote for today... My God is so BIG, so STRONG and so MIGHTY...There's NOTHING MY GOD CANNOT DO

One of my favorite things... running

A few plans for the rest of the week: surviving today...two nights of girl scouts...then...

Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Day 5K and the WEDDING!!!! <3

A peek into my day... the bright spot... my run...despite it not being as long...as fast...or as easy as I would like.  I am going to start 13.1 training after the wedding.  Just because I want to get stronger and faster.  I want to run the Syracuse Half in March. The last two years it fell on my birthday weekend. =)

Linking up with The Simple Woman's Daybook 

 

A bit of randomness...I took this quiz last night..."Which forgotten Disney Princess are you?" And I thought the answer was pretty spot on ;-) Aside from the fact I am pretty sure Wendy is not a princess but whatever...

Daybook~ 9.9.14

Outside my window ... My pretty sunflowers have finally decided to bloom

I am thinking... how much I love sitting at my kitchen table

I am thankful... For my life, this season-- even though it's not easy. I am thankful for my children and my mister. For time with family.  For coffee and quiet time.

I am wearing... Pj pants, comfy hoodie and bare-feet... Wishing I could stay in pj's and not go to work :P

I am creating... I finished Colton's quilt this week! 

On to Owen's!

I am going... to simplify and get organized

I am wondering... How on earth to accomplish it

I am reading... The Runner's Devotional and the book of Hosea with #SheReadsTruth

I am learning... To trust. To not panic. To return to God and sit at His feet.

Around the house... it's quiet... The kids are off to school... And I should be getting ready for work

In the kitchen... I need to make my menu plan and grocery list

I am pondering... what I want from this crazy life, and how to get there

A favorite quote for today...

On of my favorite things... Going to the library, this week we checked out Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  (Having recently watched Julie & Julia) Sunday Mikayla and I sat at the table, pouring over it, flagging recipes to try...my sweet girl posted this on instagram for her September photo challenge as "Day 7: Things that make me happy".  How happy that made my heart.

A few plans for this week... Mikayla's birthday weekend, planning her sleepover for Friday and celebrating our plethora of September birthdays at mom and dad's on Sunday.

A peek into my day...

Linking up with The Simple Woman's Daybook

Colton's Quilt

Colton's Super Hero Quilt is DONE! Only about 4 months late :P He was born back in April...it had not even been started.  I finally got it pieced and hoped to give it to him for his baptism in July....that didn't happen either.

Saturday night I sew the finally stitches.  My fingers sore as I tossed it into the wash before bed.  I hope to give it to him at church in morning.  But poor buddy had an ear infection and wasn't feeling up to it.  As the rest of the fam headed to youth group, Hannah and I delivered it.  Hannah got some over due playtime with Makenna...and I got some baby snuggles.

Without further ado...here it is...

Later these pics were posted on instagram....nothing makes me happier than seeing my quilt loved and snuggled.

First Day of School

Summer is really over.

School has begun.

This morning I made our traditional first morning of school pancakes.





Packed Lunches...


Ryan unpacked and repacked his whole backpack...


Yes, those are his sneakers on the kitchen table! But since they have yet to be worn...I let it slide.

Soon it was time to go...


I forced them to take one picture together...


Hard to believe but this kid is headed to MIDDLE School! 6th Grade already...


And this one is a SOPHOMORE!!! Not Possible!

Round Two....
This year Hannah is headed out alone.  Elementary goes an hour later...




2nd Grader... oh how the time flies.

Heavenly Father, please keep your eye on them and your angels around them. Be with all the kids and teachers starting school today. I pray they would have a spectacular first day, bring them home safe tonight.

....and I found another link up...  Join First Day at Journey to Josie.