May Sister Coffee Date

Saturday Laura and I were able to get together for a sister coffee date.  We visited a new coffee shop that had opened recently- Caffe Cosi.  We found it delightful!

We both got hot lattes and sausage egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches. They were a little messy but so yummy!

We sat and chatted for a while, delighting in just being in one another's company. Chatting about our children and life, etc.

Then we headed down the road to Books End Bookshop, a used bookstore we have visited before. 

We again found ourselves sitting on the floor of the children's section.

I talked Laura into getting From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler- somehow she was not familiar with this childhood favorite of mine! I think my 5th grade teacher read it to us aloud in class. 

We found these books titled Amy and Laura so naturally we had to get them- they even had two copies! 

I came away with a few other treasures from the Children's Section.

At the checkout I began questioning if I had already purchased Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry. Vaguely remembering finding it on our Massachusetts trip. Laura eagerly said she'd take it off my hands if I did indeed have it at home. Turns out I did- but it was a hardcover, so I kept the newly purchased paperback because a- that's my preference and b- it matched the other two books in the series.

My mom questioned why I had purchased Little House on the Prairie- I received and still have the whole box set from my 9th birthday.  They were well read and loved by both myself and then Hannah and the cover of one of the books was torn off and missing. I thought it was Little House on the Prairie but turns out I was wrong... although has you can see Little House on the Prairie is in rough shape too.

I've seen a lot of videos on Instagram of people rebinding books so I'm toying with the idea of picking up a new hobby and rebinding my whole set but we'll see. Maybe I just keep an eye out for Little House in the Big Woods at used book sales- it would have to be the same yellow covered editions. But then what do I do with my worn out copies- do I recycle them? I have still hung onto my childhood edition of Anne of Green Gables Bruno chewed up as puppy because I couldn't bear to toss it out.

I also got a sticker to had to the cover of my commonplace book.

Our adventure filled my soul and was a needed break. Looking forward to our next bookish coffee adventure.

Teal Ribbon Run! Recap

 This race was a month ago today. But I would be remiss if I didn't write a recap even though its quite late.  Life has been weird and heavy and I haven't felt much like sharing.  But there has been some good stuff! So let's catch up starting with this...

Start Line selfie

It always makes me happy to run with my family! 

We almost missed our start as we lined up too far back and were caught up with the walkers. But we made it across the start line and off we went. This race is always one of my favs. 

I started with out with Mikayla and Dylan.

Rich soon took the stroller and took off with Evan.

I ran the bulk of the race with Laura and Isaac. 

Isaac once again enjoyed running through the miles markers! 😂

We decided to hit a nearby (ish) coffee shop to refuel after. The breakfast sandwiches were fantastic!

There's not much to tell. But looking at the pictures make me feel happy. 

Sister Coffee Date- The Cracked Bean

Saturday was our first Sister Coffee Date of 2024.  We visited The Cracked Bean Roastery in Syracuse.  I met my sister at her house and then we drove to the city together.  It was bitter cold and a little snowy.

We got nervous after we ordered and were waiting for our coffees.  There didn't seem to be any available seats and it didn't look like anyone was getting ready to head out. 

But happily a spot on the couch opened up just as our orders were ready.

Evan was with us this time and good as gold. Chowing down on his snacks while we were at the coffee shop.  Laura and I chatted about books and friendship and goals.

I was mildly jealous of the 4 ladies sitting behind me who seemed to be involved in a very in depth book club discussion.

We enjoyed Ham and Cheese Croissants, I had a toasted marshmallow latte and Laura had a cookie butter latte. All was very tasty.   I enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of the shop.

After we visited the used book store across the street.

I came home with a signed new read by a local runner author I can't wait to dive into.

The snow was increasing by the time we got home.  My drive home from her house was anxiety inducing but safe.  I was happy to cozy up in the living room by the fire for the rest of the evening while Rhett watched football and I work on my new crochet project. Bruno was pretty happy about it too.

ToL 8.17

I started this post yesterday.  Then I received a call my son was in accident. Being a mom my mind went to the worst possible places. I immediately began freaking out. My husband trying to calm me on the phone, telling me he was fine. But they had called an ambulance.  My brother-in-law works  with me and walked into the office about that time.  He crouched by my desk and held me until I stopped shaking and crying. Rhett was on his way.  He picked me up and we raced to the farm field where Ryan had been working, his leg had been run over by a tractor wagon full of rocks.

Rhett went around the back of the ambulance and was talking to Ryan.  The EMT let me in the side by his head. I wrapped my arms around him from behind and kissed his face. We both started crying. I rode with Ry to the hospital. Rhett followed in the car.

Walking in the doors to the hospital my mom was already there (she works near by).

Ryan had angels by his side as he came through the whole predicament basically fine. On the scene they thought he had probably broken his ankle (even at that point I was amazed it wasn't so much worse). He was sent for Xrays of his leg, ankle and foot, which came back almost completely clear. He had a "small divet" showing on the foot so he was sent for CT scan to get a better look. It was ruled a possible fracture and he was given a hard shoe and crutches. We took our boy home thankful, hearts overflowing. God is GOOD.  I am reminded again of how precious and fragile life is and how everything can change in an instant.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled blog post ;-) Since it's now Thursday I am making it a Thinking Out Loud post and linking up with Amanda at Running with Spoons.

Hope you are ready for a whole lot of randomness from the weekend and the beginning of this week.

Friday night after work we headed to Grammy's to celebrate Mikayla's graduation with the Snyder side of the family. It was a good trip, my kids, the pooch and I in our van. Mom, Dad, Laura and Isaac in Mom and Dad's. Despite my almost constant panic the van was going to break down and over heat at any second it was a good trip. Lots of singing and laughing in our van. Our van did not break down. The fix held and is still going strong. Praise the Lord for safe travels!

Saturday morning Mom, Laura, Ryan, Chance and I went for a run.  Laura had 4 miles on her training plan so that's what we did. I was so proud of Chance- he did awesome- his longest and fastest run to date. In fact we did 4 miles 2 minutes faster on Saturday than we had done 3 on Wednesday. But yesterday he was back to his old tricks and stopping to sniff every mailbox and bush. Running with a pack helped motivate him to keep going, he didn't want to get left behind. Same's true for me too though I guess!

We stopped at a road side farm stand and visited this donkey.  The girls and Isaac LOVED him.

 

Needed a little after siesta before the festivities

The Snyder Clan in our Sue's Crew Ts to support my aunt Sue, battling pancreatic cancer.
 

 

My Dad preached on Sunday. We made him take a picture by the sign after church ;-)

Headed home... (Buffalo is our half way point)

 

Monday night Hannah had the girl cousins over for a sleepover. Of course Chance got in on the action.

 

My new COLD BREW PITCHER came on Tuesday! SOOOOO EXCITING!

I did a little LIVE video showing it off--> HERE <--

Can I just say I am LOVING the cold brew! So delicious!

 

In more pampered chef news I have decided to make a VIP group for my Fall Reveal. Check it out!

The reveal will be Monday night (8/21). I will do a live video with the products I earned and maybe a recipe.  I'm really excited about the fall season ;-)

Tuesday night I made these spinach lasagna rolls for dinner. Definitely a win!

 

This was my devo from yesterday. I am beyond thankful for God, his peace and care.

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 ;-)