GoodyBox, Terrible Run and Hannah's Room progress

Friday my friend asked me to stop by on my way to work- she surprised me with Birthday Blueberry Muffins.  It made me feel so happy to sit and share a cup of coffee and a chat.

I ordered myself a goody box for my birthday- a style box from ThredUp.

This is my favorite outfit from the box- I wore it to church yesterday and definitely keeping.  I have been wanting a denim skirt like this and was overjoyed to get one in my box. I love the sweater, it is a light cotton knit.  The yellow makes me think of sunshine and sunflowers! 

I actually loved almost everything in this box. 

I am not sure I can pull off this dress but also want to step out of my box a little so to speak. Mikayla and her room mate loved it- (I sent her pics to show her what I got) So I guess if all else fails I could always give it to Mikayla. :P

Both pairs of jeans fit amazingly well- something like a miracle! Still deciding on keeping this shirt and jeans.

Pretty sure I am going to keep this one- I wasn't sure about the shirt until I tried it on- but I really liked it.  The jeans are super soft and comfy.

I think I am sending this shirt back- I like it but don't love it- and think it clings a bit too much around the middle. 

There is also a denim jacket and a scarf (not pictured) I am sending back.  I like the scarf well enough in theory but in actuality think I look weird and too bulky. 

Plus it's spring now so...

Chance was not overly impressed by the whole deal.

He was super anxious to go for a walk.  I'm looking forward to it being light enough to walk them again  in the morning before work. 

My run this weekend was horrible! I didn't even make it the full 8 miles I planed on. I'm not sure what went wrong.  It was probably one of the worst runs of my life. I seriously almost called the Mister to come get me but ended up just walking home. Ended up with 7.3ish miles of moving forward, putting one foot in front of the other... I was even more perplexed because Wednesday's run felt soooo amazing! 

Oh, well- it's a new day, a new week and I am super excited for my run tonight.  

I ordered my new running shoes this morning and I can not wait for them to get here!

Progress is being made in Hannah's room- Hannah and Rhett painted this weekend.  Hopefully soon she will be able to move back into her own space. It is a very light gray called- "Grayish".  I can not wait to see the finished room!

Can you believe EASTER is this weekend????  This morning I put out our cross from the church- the daffodil buds making me feel hopeful in spite of the snow.

My Birthday! =D

Yesterday I turned 41. I started the day off with a 4.1 miles run. I was a little bummed that it was raining- I was expecting a beautiful sunny day.  But the run felt glorious! I actually like running in the rain, it was the best feeling run I have had it quite some time. 

I also scheduled myself a waaaaaaaaaaay overdue eye appointment- my current glasses are circa 2008- I realized and last time I had my eyes checked was to get contacts for my sister's wedding.  I mean I could see ok, wasn't having any problems besides, sorta wanting contacts again, so it wasn't really a priority. (Making taking care of myself a priority is one of my birthday goals...) I spent two hours at the eye appointment- which felt like an eternity, as most if it was just waiting.  And the appointment as it turned out was telemed, which was just weird.  But I walked out with new contacts and new glasses on order.  Happy, Happy!

I texted selfies to my mom and sister to help me decide on frames. I know I picked the right ones because I showed Hannah too when I got home and her response was an "Oooh!" of approval.

Hannah made a delicious birthday dinner for me- Chicken Marsala and Potato Smashies

Ryan and Hannah both gave me cards with heartfelt notes written inside.  I am especially thankful Rhett was home for dinner last night too. Might seem like a small thing but for me it was not.

My new journal and pen to chronicle this coming year of life, the cover has a message I very much need.

Life is so weird right now...

But being by water brings me peace.  I planned my run last night to run along the creekwalk.  It always bring Psalm 23 to mind... He leads me by the still waters...He restores my soul...

Choose to be Thankful

I have already said this to myself probably a dozen times this morning.  I feel anxiety and grumpiness trying to sneak in. Reminder from Jesus Calling this morning.

Spent some extra time praying for the many things whirling in my heart and mind.

This weekend flew by far too quickly.

I did do some sourdough baking- I had high hope for this dough as I put the cover on and went to bed Friday night. 

I was ecstatic Saturday morning that my sourdough actually rose!

 

It came out tangy and delicious!

 

Also made a batch of sourdough english muffins- one of my favorite things to bake.

Also a chocolate cake with sourdough discard for Sunday dessert- it was so good! Definitely will be making this recipe again!

I was really proud of myself for getting my seven miles in this weekend- I ran from our house to the canal path and along the canal until I hit 3.5 miles then turned around and ran home.

I realized this morning I am behind on my training (what else is new) and the race is looming dangerously close. Planning an 8 miler for this weekend and a 10 for next, 6 the week after that and then BAM! the race will be here! And yet- as close as it is- we still don't know the concrete plan for race day. I feel like I may have to switch to virtual if I can not sign up for an early enough in-person wave.  Virtual just doesn't have the same thrill or appeal. =( 

Will in person races ever be a thing/or the same again?

Still reveling in our new blue walls. =)  I think I have curtains picked out too.

Very excited to see this email in my inbox this morning! Love getting FREE pampered chef! 

AND this is beyond exciting! Yesterday I wore flip flops for the first time this season!

Happy Monday! I hope it is the start of a fantastic week! 

things

How deep the Father's Love for us?

How vast beyond all measure?

This morning as I did my devotions this song kept playing in my mind.

And now so many thoughts are swirling around in my mind. Thoughts of Grammy. Her house. Our world, COVID, my kids, my cousins and siblings, work, Pampered Chef, Rhett/marriage. 

Leaving me feeling sad, anxious, frustrated, discouraged.

Trying to hold onto the good.

The girls playing together on Grammy's piano

Poem I wrote in creative writing back in High School. Its been hanging on their wall all these years.

Memories- two years ago today...

I'm thankful for extra time with my sister this weekend. For laughter and venting. For memories. For sunshine and playgrounds.

While we were away Rhett did some painting. 

The living room-

And our bedroom- I struggled picking a color for our room and in fact thought I was content with the way it was. But I love it so much and it gives me such joy looking at color on the walls!  Next I need to decide on window treatments.

Being snuggled up with these two knuckleheads and my book.

Reminding myself of the truth that God is in control- even in the storms.

Grammy's

 This morning I woke up to see this picture in my Facebook memories.

All week various "Grammy and Pa" memories have been popping up. You see, today is their wedding anniversary. And tomorrow is Grammy's birthday.  We would frequently make the 5 hour drive to Grammy and Pa's for this weekend to celebrate.

This year is majorly different. We are going to Grammy's house today, for one of the last times. 

In January she moved into assisted living. In just a few short weeks her house is going up for auction. My heart is so very sad.  The end of an era.  

So many of my memories are at this house. Surrounded by my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. While I knew this day would come, for some reason my heart foolishly thought it never would, that it would always be Grammy's.  

It'll be the first time I walk through that door without her there to greet me- exclaiming "You made good time!"  Or apologizing because I'm always the last hugged (after my kids).

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

That time as fully grown adults we had to prove we could all still fit in the wagon of Pa's tractor.  How may tractor rides he gave us over the course of our childhood.

The next generation of cousins enjoying the swing where we spent countless hours as kids.

I'm thankful for this legacy. Both set of my grandparents remained married for a lifetime. I am thankful that I had all 4 of my grandparents into my adulthood.  They all played such a vital role in my life.

My paternal Grandparents- 2007- 60th Anniversary Party.

Something to strive for...

Happy Monday!

I got this shirt over the weekend.  =D

Friday night I was attending our virtual Spring Kick Off training retreat thingy.  The first speaker was wearing this shirt.  Turns out she was on vacation and forgot to pack enough clothes for herself and picked this up at Dollar General.  When I just happened to be at DG Saturday morning- I checked to see if our store had them and they did! And I love it!  Hers is the talk that stuck with me the most as my greatest struggle is my negative self talk!

I had a different breakfast buddy this week, Rhett was away most of the day for a class. Bruno was happy to step in so I wouldn't be too lonely! Hahaha.

Hannah and I did some thrifting and she did some crafting...

I was blown away to get this sweater- still with tags for 99 cents!  It was marked at $9.99- and was 50% off because it was yellow tag day- and then some other crazy discount was applied at the check out.

I did get my long run in on Saturday! Leaving me feeling sore and PROUD! It snowed the whole time but given how little I have run outside this winter- it felt magical. No pictures because my phone hates to cold and if I take it out of my pocket- it dies. 

I am working to strengthen my sourdough starter. The kitchen looked like a science experiment.  

I did manage this lovely loaf of Discard Sourdough Bread- or as I call it "cheater sourdough" bread- it only takes 3 hours and also commercial yeast in it.  It made a great post run snack slathered with some chunky peanut butter ;-)

I plan to strengthen her a little more and do a little more discard baking before trying another true sourdough boule. Practice makes perfect ;-)

And just because...

Yes, we do have TWO bowls of food.  Bruno is just a butthead.
If he moved one step to the right, he could have had his own bowl.