feels like summer :-D

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For Today

June 28

Linked up with Peggy

Looking out my window
It's summer! Hot and pretty humid. I waited until almost 8 pm for my run last night.
It was slow and hot but made me feel alive. Afterward I laid in my hammock until it started getting dark, letting the cool breeze blow over me.

I am thinking

about the future. Mikayla and I have one college visit on the calendar so far. I get a little (alot) sad every time I think about her leaving me. Yet a tiny bit excited for her- for the possibilities open to her. Hard to believe my baby girl is practically grown.

I am thankful

To be alive. I have been really down on myself, frustrated and discouraged lately.
Keep reminding myself- Life is Good.
I am thankful my mister is on vacation this week. Its nice to have a little extra time with him.  
I'm taking some days off during his week off in August.

One of my favorite things

Books! The library is calling my name!

I am wearing

It is the summer of the maxi skirt ;-)

I am reading
Life from Scratch by Melissa Ford
I bought it couple weeks ago when it was on the Kindle Deals list.

I am learning

To be content where I am.  I am here for a reason.
{This is becoming my mantra}

In my kitchen
Did some Pampered Chef-ing on Sunday. 
Joanne made this pretty Sangria for her party-

We also made S'mores Cake (twice!) and Greek Cucumber Salad <---- really good!
While we were chatting it was wondered if the spiralizer would ribbon potatoes/sweet potatoes to make chips.  After we finished the demo's we gave that a try.  They came out so good-- I had to try it myself when we got home!

In my garden

I have finally taken an interest in my garden this week.  Pulled weeds and planted some flowers.  Hoping maybe this week to get some more.  Some of the black eyed susans are about to bloom.

Board room
I love wearing dresses in the summer! 
It is my hope to find time to sew at least one this summer!

Pinned: Sewing
Source: Melly Sews

Post Script

I broke down and bought myself the Blessings & Lessons Illustrated Faith Devotional Kit.
I can't wait!

Shared Quote

"Kitchen solace—the feeling that a delicious meal is simmering on the kitchen stove, misting up the windows, and that at any moment your lover will sit down to dinner with you and, between mouthfuls, gaze happily into your eyes. (Also known as living.)”" from "The Little Paris Bookshop: A Novel" by Nina George

A moment from my day
Spent a little time at the park with my best friend and her kids Saturday morning.

Then stopped in at Mom and Dad's for most of the afternoon.  Helping wrangle nieces and nephews as the work continues to move Grandma to mom and dad's and my brother's family to Grandma's.

Next week will be the big move!

I love to see the kids reading!

ToL 6.23

Linked up with Running with Spoons today

Yesterday I started this really pathetic, whiny blog post. I didn't finish it, parts of it are still here. Minus the bad, bad attitude.  Today, I am feeling better. A little more refreshed.  A little more balanced. ;)

I spent more time in the Word. And actually got out there running.  Both helped. A Lot.

I opened up my Jesus Calling devo yesterday morning to read this-

I also read on Hungry Runner Girl's blog this morning about Creating a Life You Love.  It really struck a cord with me.  So many times I find myself sighing and thinking- I hate my life. Which ultimately is not true... but I am thinking it way to much.  What can I do to form it more into a life I love...

For starters Tuesday night I took Hannah to the beach. She called me as I was finishing up at work and asked if I could take her and Ryan to the beach.  My first instinct was to say no.  I had other things I "needed" to do. I told her I needed to think about it.  By the time I got home, I decided life was to short too not spend a little time at the beach.  So she and I, we went.  She swam to her heart's content.

Last night's run and post run game of fetch.

I love this dog.  He brings much joy and laughter to our house...

This-

Amen

Planning to get some summer cleaning out done. Especially my closet and reclaim my craft counter in the basement.  Start Bible journaling and find a way to also incorporate the concept into my Sunday School class.  Get back on track with my training plan...NO Excuses!  Soak up as much summer fun as I can with the kids in the evenings and weekends =)

6.21

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For Today

June 21
The last full day of school.

Linked up per usual with Peggy.

Looking out my window
it is such a perfect summer day out there.

I am thinking

I wish I was on summer vacation too. :(
But we'll just have to cram more summer into the evenings I guess.

I am thankful
I am.  This morning my heart was full. I am determined to not get sucked into complaining this summer. To enjoy the moments I do have.

One of my favorite things
Summer.
Looking forward to evenings at the beach. 
Picnics. Campfires.

I am wearing

Yesterday I was so excited to come home and see a purple package on the kitchen table.  My LulaRoe order was here already! I LOVE it! It's so soft and I love the way it swishes around my feet when I walk. ;)

I am creating

83 degrees last night but I got 3 more blocks quilted on Isaac's quilt!

I am reading
The Little Paris Bookshop: A Novel by Nina George

I am learning
I'm working really hard on the attitude and being content.
No grumbling.  Be thankful.

In my kitchen

I made steak and baked sweet potatoes for Father's Day dinner per my mister's request.
Tonight its Taco Tuesday ;)
And more menu planning....

Board room

Pinned: Women of Grace
Source: flickr

Post Script

I watched some illustrated faith vidoes last night, that left me itching to stamp and journal.  I added some washi tape to my planner this morning.  (That's an addiction that could really take off). Last month's illustrated faith kit, Blessings or Lessons is calling to me. I hope its still available next payday.  One of the stamps is the word Purpose- which is of course my Word for 2016.  
Here is a LINK--> https://www.illustratedfaith.com/blessings-lessons-stamp-techniques-video-tutorial/ <--to some inspiration.

A moment from my day

Girl Scouts Closing Ceremonies

Hard to believe these girls are heading into their senior year...
I remember when they were the ones who were Brownies :'(

Friday night our little Bible Study group had a cookout at the Falls-

Closing Notes:

ToL- 6.16

Sometimes its hard. To not getting caught up in the why me? attitude or the Why NOT me?  Grumbley and covetous wondering why everyone else's life seems to be falling into place.  But God keeps reminding me, I am where He wants me.  My path is not meant to be the same as someone else's.  He has placed me where I am for a reason.  I am to do the best I can.  He has equipped me to do it well.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do.   

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

And truly I am blessed, so very blessed.

Which also brings me to this-

I'm working on it, I really am.

I found a new favorite coffee, Dunkin Donuts, cinnamon roll.  Yesterday I used my last scoop from the big bag of original DD coffee, I got for my birthday. The DD coffee was on sale, plus I had a $1.50 off coupon.  It had to be a bakery flavor, per the coupon. Which was how I ended up with the particular bag.  But oh, it was so good! Even brought a 2nd cup to work with me and am wishing there was more...

Signed up for another race! I have been wanting to do a Holiday one =) I am not rushing summer or anything but am really excited for this one!  We're on the lookout for Ugly Christmas Sweaters to wear.

I am trying to stick to my training plan. So far so good. It helps me so much to have it in writing.  I could use some help on cross training ideas/plans... last week I did yoga on non-running days... also planing to start riding my bike more, I need to get a new bike helmet. Its next on my list ;)  My sister is also looking for a good used jogging stroller to help her get moving on her training, if anyone has any connections there. ;-) We are both running the half in September. Hoping we can do some of our long training runs together.

Last night the books from my Usborne Books Party were finally delivered! Sooo exciting!

The kids dove right in- I plan to read them all too ;-)

For Today... {June 14}

Linked up with Peggy, The Simple Woman's Blog

June almost half gone already! Yesterday was Mik's last day of classes, 3 more tests and she will be done with her junior year. I am so not ready for what comes next...

Outside my window... the sun is shining...I think summer is trying to come back to us! ;)

I am praying... for those lost in the shooting in Orlando. :'( Their families and friends. For our country and world in general that seems to be spiraling into darkness.

I am thankful... for this flag and all it stands for.  For people who are passionate enough to defend it. Who understand how precious it is.

I am creating... I finally got backing for Isaac's quilt. Tonight I will be sandwiching it and then the quilting can begin.  I planned to do it last night but ended up going and hanging out with my sister and him instead.  Next up is Mikayla's graduation quilt- we found awesome music themed fabric at the quilt shop that we will be purchasing for this project.

I am going... to enjoy today. To live and laugh and love fully.  To not get caught up in all the what if's and if only's.

I am wondering... what instrument Miss Hannah will end up with next year. She has suddenly developed an interest in the double bass after trying it out yesterday.

I am reading... The Resolution for Women.  Highly recommend.

I am learning... about love and forgiveness and letting go. (See blog post before this one).

In my kitchen... Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole was a win! Even slightly over baked (misjudged the actual time of piano lessons) and warmed up as left overs -- its soooo good! And easy.

A favorite quote for today...

A peek into one of my days... Friday Mikayla accompanied her friend to the Senior Dinner Dance.

One of my favorite things... ^^^^ this girl. I can't even. <3 <3 <3

A few plans for the rest of the week: niece's softball game, quilting, piano, Girl Scouts closing picnic, Bible Study, (I think). Piano Recital. Father's Day.

From the board room {Pinterest}... *

Pinned: Amen

Live a Life of Love

Love. Forgiveness. Two things I have been struggling with the past few weeks.

Love is... Patient. Kind. Does not envy. Does not boast. Is not self seeking. Keeps no record of wrongs. Rejoices in the truth. Always protects. Hopes. Never gives up. (from 1 Corinthians 13 paraphrase by me).

Sometimes it's hard. Especially when you have been hurt. To carry on. To be the person that reaches out. To let go of that hurt. To forgive. Move forward.

In our chapters for Moms Connect this week, I was reminded forgiveness is not a one time deal. It's a conscious choice and then sometimes it's a choice each day (each moment) after that. To continue letting go. To remember God makes all things new. That He is indeed doing a new thing. Rebuilding hope. Love. Trust.  Sometimes its easy. Other times its so, so hard.  The devil whispering reminders in my ear of hurts. But I don't have to listen to him. Years ago, I was going through a particularly hard time.  At that time I adopted this verse as my mantra. I said it over and over and over.

“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 43:18-20 (NIV)

Lately I have needed reminded of it.  A lot. My devotions this week, the sermon, Moms Connect, even my Sunday school class have all reminded me of the need to LOVE, to forgive and above all PRAY. Because without His power I certainly can not do the first two on my own. God can heal and renew. He can indeed make streams in the wasteland. Make areas that were barren blossom and flourish.

I want to be His lighthouse, in my family, my job, my community, here in this space. I want to be a person known for His love. His Truth. Life. I don't want hurt and disappointment to fester and turn into bitterness. I want my life to be well seasoned with His Love and Joy and Peace.  To strive to always speak life, yet also speak the TRUTH in love. Just because I might not agree with you...doesn't mean I don't love you. I value and respect your opinion, please do the same of me...

Our world is a crazy mess these days. There is much I don't agree with. There is a lot I can't control at all. But I will walk in light and love and truth.

You're not invisible 5k

After one of our runs my mom mentioned the you're not invisible 5k to me. We knew we would be out of town for the weekend. But there was a virtual option. Always a sucker for a run and race t I opted to join.

Mom would be in PA for the wedding. She quickly got some of the Snyder family runners to do the run with her.  Here are some pictures from their run on Saturday.  

I love the starting line shot! 😂

I was away with thirteen Girl Scouts. I thought about sneaking off for a little run early in the morning around camp but decided I needed to be available when the girls started waking up.

Finally Monday night I ventured out for a 5K run. I started out with Chance. He loved it and kept looking up at my with his goofy doggy grin.  After our usual first mile I stopped to drop him off at home and fill his water bowl. He eagerly followed me as  I headed back out the door. I clipped his leash back on and off we went.  He didn't make it too much longer though, getting close to the 1.5 mile mark he was getting tired. Not wanting to push my young buddy too much on the hot summer like evening we doubled back home and I let him in the house.

I repeated the route to complete my 5K. Thinking of my Snyder runners and the summer of running ahead of me.

My watch died part way so I have no data or time to speak of. But it felt great. I suppose those three miles still count even without my watch telling me so. 😂

Post run front step sitting. I always think of Riley. Still miss that fluffy face. But I am happy to have Chance to keep me company. Happy to know we have given  another dog a home filled with love. Hopefully we have many years and miles ahead of us yet.

 I found and have started my half marathon training it's a zero to 5k to half marathon plan. It feels good to have a printed plan in front of me. I gives me great satisfaction to cross of the boxes.

This is all that got my butt out the door last night. I was feeling slightly icky and it was cold. But I am "training". So go I did and it felt wonderful. I felt so much better afterwards. I couldn't find my earbuds so was accompanied only by the sounds of my sneakers on the pavement and my gasping breathes. Lost in my thoughts and the moment.