Memorial Day

For Today... {May 26, 2015}

Outside my window... its a beautiful sunny day.  Feels like summer and I love it!

I am thinking... I love this guy...

Friday night we went out to dinner and walked around the mall. It came up how I have always wanted to play tennis... Next thing I know we are picking out his and her tennis racquets. Finished off the evening w pomegranate froyo

 

I am thankful... For this weekend.  For the time I got to spend with my husband.  We seldom get to spend any real time together.  Hopefully from here on out that is going to change a bit.  We are looking for ways to make it better.  At one point he looked at me and said something to the effect of: I remember now why I like you so much.  It filled my heart, its one thing to love each other...its a whole other to really like each other.  To truly be friends. Not together simple because you share a home and children.  But to be together because we want to be. I don't want to be one of those couples who once the kids are grown realize you barely know each other any more.  That you no longer have anything in common. I want our relationship to only grow deeper and richer. <3
  I almost went to PA with my parents this weekend.  But something kept telling me I needed to be home.  I wouldn't trade a minute of this weekend.

I am going... to do better.

I am wondering... what the next step is and where that path will lead us.

I am reading... The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks

I am hoping... so many things. But mostly that things will keep getting better.

I am learning... to focus on the TRUTH. Even this morning I was out running, slowly the bad started to crowd out the good.  Suddenly I stopped wondering why I was listening.  Why was I letting bad memories, hurtful words color my world, instead of letting go.  Choosing to focus on the GOOD instead.

 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 NIV

 “Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
 See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.
                                 Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

In my garden... I spent Saturday morning weeding our front flower bed.  The girls and I then went and picked out some flowers.  I am determined to keep it under control this year.  Mikayla is helping me too. :)

In my kitchen...

I made this fruit pizza to take to my brother's BBQ Monday night.  It was super good. You can check out the recipe HERE.

Making s'mores in the kitchen

A favorite quote for today...

 

Source: Shereadstruth.com

A peek into one of my days... Saturday night we had a cookout and bonfire the LaForte side of the family.

One of my favorite things... sitting around a fire with family and friends

A few plans for the rest of the week: Working tonight, tomorrow taking Mik to "interview" for piano lessons, Girl Scouts--Thursday; the girls are working on their detective badge and we are headed to the State Police Crime Lab,  I am kinda excited about this.  Friday we are off for our GS Spring Encampment.

From the board room {Pinterest}...

 

 Source: http://www.popsugar.com

Pinned to Tennis 

I started a new tennis board.  We did get out and play for the first time on Sunday afternoon.  I hope there is lots more in our future.  I have been perusing pinterest to get some tips and learn the actual rules.  It was so fun.  We had a blast.

Post Script *  This song came up on my playlist as I was running today.  It is one of my favorites and definitely encompasses the gratitude in my heart today.

Linking up with Peggy

5.19.15

For Today... {May 19, 2015}

Outside my window... Listening to birds singing.  Love having windows open...bring on SUMMER :D

I am thinking...



I am thankful... for 2nd chances...and 3rd, 4th and 5th chances.  One of these days we'll get it right.

I am wearing...

I am wondering... if this will really happen.  My mister is a HUGE Packers Fan.  I get emails from the packers because I have purchased him various things over the years for his birthday, Father's Day, Christmas... Last week I had an email about a 5K at Lambeau Field in my inbox.  I somewhat jokingly sent it on to him...asking if he wanted to go.  He not only wanted to go, he said he would run with me! He talked about it again last night...sounding quite serious... time will tell I suppose.  I have already been perusing the internet for appropriate race attire...just in case ;)

I am reading... finished Reconstructing Amelia last night! It was good. =) Disclaimer: it does have a bit of language and some questionable material.  But the story was good...I love a good mystery.  I have two library books still on my shelf.  Undecided as to which one to read next... Julia's Hope or White Jacket Required: A Culinary Coming of Age Story.  Probably will end up being which ever one is on top of the pile.

I am hoping... for the best. That it can be both/and not either/or.  Believing God must have a plan.

I am learning... I do not like change, over the past week plus, my gut response to any suggested change has been. That's stupid and I don't want to.  Childish. Selfish.  But change is so hard and  scary.  Way outside my box.  Every once in a while a glimmer of hope and excitement manages to sneak in amidst all my self doubt and stubbornness.  Maybe it will be OK.  Maybe change can be good...

In my kitchen... we have been doing a lot of grilling! I love grilling season.  My new favorite thing is the BBQ pizza pan from the pampered chef.  Planning on getting a 2nd one ASAP! :D

A favorite quote for today... 

A peek into one of my days... Sunday afternoon my mom and I, Hannah and my niece Maddy took a little preview/training run of the Munchkin Mile the girls are going to run next month.

I can see Maddy becoming a runner.  She loved it!

This is me trying to distract Hannah into still running.  It was hot and she was tired!

Post run ice cream cones!! YUM!! Makes is all worth it! ;-)

One of my favorite things... things like that ^^^^^^^

From the board room {Pinterest}...
Pinned to Love

Found on familyshare.com

Post Script * My April Video. Enjoy :) <3


As per usual linking up with Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

 

For Today... {May 12, 2015}

Outside my window... 

It's cool and Spring-ish, lightly raining and breezy. The world coming back to life after the long winter.

I am thinking... about my devotional this morning, #SheReadsTruth is doing a study on the Fruit of the Spirit.  Today's was on LOVE.

I am thankful... for God's Word, that He sends me encouragement when I need it. 

I am wearing...

I am creating... a new training plan.  Having the plan Laura made me printed and in my planner helped me stay on track so much more.  Although I am not actively training for a specific race, I want to keep moving forward.

I am going... to enjoy this day! I have been struggling with my attitude the past couple days.  This morning when the mister left, he commented he was tired but alive and breathing therefore not complaining.  Me too. ;)

I am wondering... what to make for dinner this week. Meal planning has not been my forte lately. :/

I am reading... same as last week. :) Happier at Home and  Reconstructing Amelia.
 I took Hannah to the Chittenango Library per her request last night. She overheard me telling Mikayla my fine was paid off. (I bartered my cake making skills. Haha! :) She hounded me till I agreed to take her.  I refrained from taking out any further selections until I finish the above mentioned two and the two additional books I have out from the other library.

I am hoping... to find a way to get re-connected.  I miss my Bible Study groups greatly.  Both the ladies one and the couples one.  There just doesn't seem to be any time.

I am learning... to let go.   The struggle is real.  Its funny how sometimes things come back that you think you have already released.

In my garden... The tree and bush in our front yard blossomed this week.

I love this tree.  Its my favorite ever.

We were at the local greenhouse in town this weekend.  The girls and I were drooling over some of the flowers.  Hopefully this week I can pick some up for our front flower bed.

In my kitchen... grilled pizza! This was one of the best pizzas I have ever made/eaten! Chicken Bacon and Ranch Pizza...on the grill! This was my first opportunity to try our Pampered Chef's BBQ Pizza Pan.  I love it! Looking forward to grilling pizza the rest of the summer :)

A favorite quote for today... 

Love is a Choice and an Action.

A peek into one of my days... 

Saturday night BBQ with friends 💙

One of my favorite things... 

A few plans for the rest of the week: Working tonight, Mikayla's school concert tomorrow, girl scouts on Thursday, the Race for the Cure on Saturday, join the team or support us HERE

Linked up with Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Friday...

Mom and Dad picked us up about 1:15 and we were on our way to Pittsburgh!

We stopped at Chickfila in Erie for supper, where I consumed this yummy chicken wrap.  My nod to healthy marathon eating :P

Around 8:30 or so we made it to Steph's sweet little house in Pittsburgh.  Aunt Sue had already picked up all our race packets.  We eagerly examined the contents and our race shirts.

Saturday morning we headed downtown around 6:30 or so for our first event.  Mom and Aunt Sue running the 5K.  I think I was more pumped for their run than my own.

Our shirts designed by Albert

Nearing the finish...

My mom was pretty pleased with her time.  In fact I wish I had been able to snap a picture when I read her results off to her!


Her finishing time was 34:19 Pace: 11:02

Time for the Kids Marathon!

The number of kids involved was phenomenal.  Kid Runners has far as you could see! Hannah was in the last heat. It felt like we were waiting and waiting but finally we began to move toward the start line! It was our turn!

The kids race is not timed but Hannah requested to wear my garmin to time herself. She hit the button as we crossed the starting line and we were off! Mimi was concerned that there would not be enough time to see Hannah start and make it to the Finish line to see her cross it. But as it turned out Mimi and Papa ran/walked along side the race on the side walk, encouraging her every step of the way.  It was such a special experience.  Reminding me again how blessed I am to have the family I do.








When she initially signed up one of the things she was most excited about was getting to run over one of the bridges. Jenn, Albert, Ryan and Steph were waiting and cheering on the bridge. =)






 Hannah rocked her race. As we made they turn and the finish line came in view she gave it all she had. Crossing the finish, she looked down at the watch and exclaimed in utter amazement-- 

 "16 minutes!" 

 A personal best for Miss Hannah by 2 minutes! So awesome!!!

 

Congratulations my little "Runner of Steel!!"  So proud of you!

After Hannah finished we headed over to the Expo (finally!).  I was hoping to get a souvenir this year and had promised Hannah one as well. We grabbed a bite to eat, wandered around looking at various booths.  I got some energy chews for the Half the next day and Mom bought some magnets.  Hannah admired and pet all the animals at the Animal Rescue booth.

Hannah and I both picked out new headbands, I got a Pittsburgh Runner of Steel headband, Hannah's was white with peace signs. 

I also picked up one for Mikayla as I saw one with music notes on it.  She couldn't make the trip with us as she ad NYSSMA solo competition that day for both trumpet and vocal.  It seemed a fitting gift, as I had just heard she "slaughtered" her vocal solo.  So proud of both my girls!!! <3

Sidenote: Mik wore her headband to school this week and got tons of compliments on it. ;)

And if you care they are Chica Bands.  I wore mine in the Half and love it! I always have wispy hairs pulling out of my ponytail and getting in my face when running.  But this headband held my hair firmly in place, and out of my face for all 13.1 miles!

A few other pics from our afternoon in Pittsburgh and our loooooong walk back to the cars! Uncle Ron and Eric both had step counter apps on their phones and said we walked the equivalent of almost 10 miles that day! Our aching feet believe it! Probably not the best plan when running a half marathon the next morning.

Bakery where we stopped on our way to the Expo. They picked up some amazingly delicious mini cupcake desserts for dinner that night. Papa also treated Hannah to a BIG chocolate chip muffin.





Looks like a few runners might be in town this weekend.  The banana peel overflowing trash can kinda cracked us up.  Or maybe we were just super tired.
The locks on the bridge are a symbol of a couple's unbreakable love.  You can read more on it here if you are interested.


Back at Steph's we were all done in.  I think everyone caught a few zzzzz's before dinner.  Steph hosted a pasta party for dinner.  Super yum.  We ate out on her deck enjoying the beautiful spring evening.  We chatted about tomorrow's run, enjoyed one another's company.  Set the mornings meet up plans firmly in place before calling it a night.  It was a really great day! Tiring but fun, filled with love and laughter. #SnyderClan...it doesn't get any better. <3

#GameOnPGH  If you missed my Half Marathon Recap you can catch it HERE.