Happy Fall... soup and knitting and randomness

Monday night I did went to a craft night at the library with a friend. It was super fun, we painted the little decorative wagon. The other night I dug out my scarecrow Grammy made and decorated, slightly, for fall.

One run this week- my foot started hurting a lot- trying to decide if its a stop running for a while kinda hurt or a power through kinda hurt... anyway 4 miler on Tuesday. I had hoped to run last night around the lakes but the rain and foot pain...and sad mood deterred me.

I recently went to a yarn shop with my Mom and sister. My sister is a super amazing knitter. I have always wanted to make socks so I went back to basics and am working on a dishcloth and planning to (hopefully) work my way up with more challenging projects until I can handle socks.

The fall-ish weather has me craving soup- I made a big batch of Italian Wedding Soup the other night. It is super good! I made a smaller batch for Mikayla and tossed in some vegetarian "meat"balls- you could also sub chickpeas or beans I suppose for the meatballs.  The recipe had stovetop, crockpot or instant pot. I just made it on the stove top. I have been enjoying the leftovers for lunch. I need to bake some sourdough this weekend ;-)

Did you ever notice when you start working on something...suddenly it confronts you on every front. This week from house church/sermon...

Do not worry. Instead Pray with Thanksgiving. 

(Phil 4:6 paraphrase by me😉)

It feels like every fear and anxiety I have has been rearing its head this week.  Yesterday I had to have a time out at work and have a cup of tea and open my Bible and just breathe.

Today is better...

I finished this book last night for my other book club... so different from my usual reads. Looking forward to the discussion on this one! I hardly ever read science fiction. 

My day was made today when my husband stopped by and brought me a pumpkin spice coffee, my first of the season.  Isn't it funny how something as simple as a pumpkin spice coffee can feel like a miraculous answer to prayer! 

Happy Friday! I hope you have a lovely fallish weekend. 

It's been a week...

 Wednesday our girl turned 22!

I made her  Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcakes and her favorite eggplant parmesan.

Then yesterday we said goodbye to her beloved cat Storm. He has been a member of the family for almost 18 years. In fact they share a birthday.  Mikayla picked him out at the shelter when she was 4 years old. He has been a grumpy, orny, loved part of our family ever since.

Reminder from my devotions this morning...

 He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what God had promised, he was also able to do.    Romans 4:20-21 CSB

https://lovegodgreatly.com/a-god-who-redeems/

 

It made me chuckle though when I arrived at work to find three turkeys in the parking lot.  They took their time meandering along through the neighboring yard.

Here's hoping for a relaxing time meandering through the weekend like these girls. ;-P  Happy Friday.

6 miles, wildlife and PAMPERED CHEF

My focus this week ^

I did not run at all this weekend so I made myself do my long run last night after work on the canal. It was a little bit hot, and more walking breaks than I would like. But ended happy and proud with sore muscles.

Saw some wildlife...

The turtle seemed very interested in me...but maybe he thought I had snacks....

Super excited to wear my new necklace today!

Tonight I will be doing a LIVE video on my page of one of my September TasteBuds recipes.  I love getting monthly recipes and seasoning samples in the mail each month!  Tonight I am making meatball subs and also the pizza chili to pop in the freezer for later.

I planned to have a Fall Recipe Tasting tonight but my box of goodies won't get here in time.  So I'll be rescheduling and doing the above live video instead. The Shared Rewards party ends tonight at midnight.  You can check out the new catalog and/or order here -> https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/fabulousfall0914  and hopefully soon I will be able to have an in person fall party to show off the new products and recipes! ;-)

I'm also really excited for my next freezer meal workshop...

We had broccoli cheddar soup in the Quick Cooker last night. It was super good! Next time I need to give te bread bowls a try too. ;-)  I am really looking forward to fall soup and baking season!

trail run etc...

Green Lakes run last night after work.  The trails were pretty quiet and empty.  The run itself felt hard but in a good way. ;-)  I was surprised to see my pace as good as it was. I hope to run there at least once a week through the fall and see my time go down...

 

I don't know what these pretty little orange flowers are but they made me feel happy. =)

Taking today off from running- still hope to log some miles taking the dogs for a good long walk tonight.

from Another Mother Runner

Monday is the start of this new study- Faith over Perfection with Loving God Greatly.  I have really enjoyed the last couple studies I have done with them.  There is a study guide available to purchase but I usually just follow along and write in my devo/prayer journal instead. =)

This morning's reminder that Jesus is with us always...

Wednesday...

Change in routine and seasons always throws me off. I have a hard figuring out how to adjust I guess. 

Yesterday afternoon it was storming and while I planned to go run after work on the canal- I decided to bail because of the weather. 

But after a quick stop at the store- it seemed the weather had cleared up.  I got my running bag from the car and changed. Much to the dogs delight, I took them for a quick walk and then went for a run.

I got my shirt for the challenge and did my first run in it last night!

I made an old favorite- Loaded Baked Potato Chowder for dinner. 

I happened to flip open to this page in my journal this morning. I felt like this was a reminder I very much needed today...

I was listening to another AMR podcast this morning on my way to work. I heard this quote at the end and it stuck with me today-

Enjoy being out there

& moving your body.

And then read this on Hungry Runner Girl's Blog this morning morning too.

As long as we are doing our best and putting in the effort—>  the fitness will be gained!

Reminding myself to enjoy and trust the process.

first day of school, 5 miles + pampered chef

Today is Hannah's first day of HIGH school. Something I can not get over.  

And the first day of school at the school where Mikayla is working too.  

So they took a First Day of School picture together.

Last night we celebrated Rhett's birthday.  I made him meatloaf, mashed potatoes and butternut squash for dinner. Bourbon Butterscotch Pie for dessert.  First time I have ever made meringue. 

I started yesterday off with my long run I pushed from Saturday. My only goal was to keep moving forward for 5 miles and to enjoy the run no matter how fast or slow... 

Stopped to check out the Fairy Garden in the park.

Done and feeling pretty proud.  

My running buddy declined to be photographed.

My Fabulous Fall Shared Rewards Party is starting TODAY! 

This party will take place mostly on Table Pampered Chef's new online platform.

- you can check it out -->HERE<--

Also there will be a recipe tasting in person on Tuesday the 14th ;-)

book club and pampered chef

 Book Club last night! 

I made the brand new Pampered Chef mix- Caramel Latte Bread- I used the huge new muffin pan and added a streusel topping...super yummy!

New Book Club selection is Hiding in the Light by Rifqa Bary.  We will meet Thursday, October 7 via zoom.  Anyone can join. Send me a message if you are interested. ;-)

The face you make when you try to steal pizza off the counter and Mom catches you!

I bought sunflowers last weekend at Trader Joe's and taking a tip from Anne Bogel's Don't Overthink It- it is now my personal rule to buy sunflowers whenever they have them!

They have made me very happy this week! 

This morning's run did not feel good and I am dreading a 5 miler tomorrow. 

I have started doing this yoga calendar with my sister from Yoga with Adriene. So far, so good! I'm hoping it will be helpful to my body and muscles sore from all these miles.

If you go to the link the calendar has clickable links that take you right to the youtube video. 

https://yogawithadriene.com/calendar/

Starting Tuesday I am running an online Share Rewards party on Pampered Chef's new online platform Table.  The party will run from Tuesday the 7th-14th, concluding with a in person recipe tasting on the 14th at my house.

Happy Friday! Have a great long weekend! I know I am looking forward to it!