Anybody out there?

Hello stranger!  Is anyone still out there???

Well, summer is officially here !!  My brain feels like it can finally sigh and relax.  The stress of school hasn't quite fully left my body, but it's diminishing- and for that I'm thankful!

This summer won't be one full of lazy days by the pool.  No sir!  Life has certainly been different since Kevin picked up a 2nd job- part time at Sears.  So this summer will be momma and three boys at home (or at the pool), while daddy is bringing home the extra bacon! 

Since I will be flying solo a lot this summer, I plan to work intensely with my boys on their academics.  I've gathered up a lot of resources off of Pinterest, from my school, and the web.  I know every day won't be easy, but I know in the end it will be worth it :). 

Kevin won't be working 40 hours a week this summer, so there will still be some family pool time, late night fires, bike rides, and camping trips!  He is going to be off Monday, and for that family time I am eternally grateful.

No post would be complete without the mention of running!!!!!  I can't even update you on all that has happened since January.  But let me tell you the biggest thing...I. AM. A. MARATHONER!  Yes folks, I completed my first 26.2 on April 27th.  That race deserves a blog post of it's own.

Maybe I can post again before another 6 months flies by~  Stay tuned!

Honesty..

It's New Year's Eve and all over Facebook, Pinterest, and blog land are mentions of how great or sucky 2012 was and, of course, everyone's goals for the new year. 

I. just. can't. do. it. this. year. 

I can't sit down and write out all of my goals. 

It. doesn't. work. for. me.

Sure there are a lot of things I want to accomplish in 2013...some personal, some private, some out there in the open for everyone to see.  But I don't want to talk about it.  And honestly, I don't want to read yours.  Debby downer huh?  Maybe.  Or maybe I'm just keepin' it real.

Happy New Year's Eve lovies! 

Just a few things that have been happening around here!  Work Christmas party, my oldest attending a dance and hanging out with a friend, and Mr. Snowy Love getting captured by the natives. 

Thankful part 2

 Here are some more things that are rattling through my head that I am extremely thankful for!!!

• Situations that bring us closer to God.  
• Situations that remind us that we need to be in a state of prayer at all times.
• Situations that remind us that this world is NOT our home.  We weren't made for any of this world- nothing that is has to offer, none of its drama, none of the things we accumulate, etc.
• Normalcy- however crazy normal might be!
• Friday evening long runs that start off with friends, have quiet contemplation time in the middle, and end reconnecting with my friends!
• Saturday mornings spent in pajamas with coffee and my family.  
• Saturdays where I don't have to continuously watch the clock because we have to be somewhere at a certain time.
• Friends that check in on you to make sure you are ok.
• Family that checks in on you to make sure you are ok.
• Planning Christmas lists.
• Making plans for the Thanksgiving holiday!!!!

Thankful

 So basically all of Facebook is on a thankful status kick- meaning beginning on Nov. 1st, they listed one thing they were thankful for each day.  I didn't jump on the bandwagon for many reasons...one being I don't want to feel like I need to be on Facebook every day.  But I am thankful for many things and would like to share them with YOU!

1. God.  He send His only son to die for me (and you).  I am not deserving of His love, grace, and mercy that He gives me every single day. 

2. My parents.  They really are the best.  I'm thankful they raised me in a Godly house.  I'm forever grateful for the values they instilled in me at an early age.  I love that I'm closer to my mom than I have ever been.  And I love that my dad is always there to talk, listen, or advise.  Love you two!

3. Kevin.  He is really the best husband a woman could ever ask for.  God sure knew what he was doing when he put us together.  Love you babe!

4. Dylan, Landen, and Alex.  Three parts of my heart that are walking around every day.  I love them more than they know.

5. Family. My brother, sister-in-laws, mother-in-law, father-in-law, aunt, cousins, etc.  I don't have a lot of family, but what I have is pretty great.  I know that anytime I need any member of my family, they are 100% there for me! 

6. Friends.  I don't think I could make it in this crazy world without my friends.  And I'm so glad that I have different friends!!!!  I have friends that I run with, teach with, go to church with, hang out with, shop with, plan with, etc.  I have friends that I have known for 20+ years, and friends that I have known for 6 months.  God has placed each person in my life for a reason and for that I am grateful.

7. Running.  I. love. to. run.  After a bad day, I just run.  It all ends up on the pavement.  After a great day, I just run.  Still, it all ends up on the pavement.  There's no judgement, no talking, no pretending to be something you're not...just running. 

8. My Health.  I know, I know, it sounds corny...but I am.  I can get up in the morning with out hurting.  I can walk around during the day, run during the week, and basically do what I want.  I don't ever want to take that for granted.

That's enough for tonight folks!  Stay tuned for part 2!

Race Recap

I am a runner.  I run for many reasons.  1-I am able to.  God blessed me with a body that is physically able to run.  2-STRESS RELIEVER!  3-Enjoyment.  5-To take care of ME, both physically and mentally.  4-To run just a little bit better/faster than I did last time. 

While I am no where near an "elite athlete", I am proud of my accomplishments, and I need somewhere to keep track of my races, times, and PR's. 

5K Races
Run for the Sight    Sept '11            29:30
Medical Center     Oct. '11             28:19
Monster Dash       Oct '11              ??:??
Turkey Run           Nov 24, 2011    28:27
Cupid's Chase      Feb 10th, 2012  26:00
Eagle Flight           Mar 3, 2012      25:54        **Second Place Age Group**
Purple Strider       July 27, 2012     25:10       **Second Place Age Group**
Color Run            July 28, 2012     ??:??
Monster Dash      Oct. 27,2012     23:59        **First Place Age group**  PR


4 Miler
Hospice               July 28, 2012    37:03        **Overall Female Winner**  PR


10K
Flying Pig            May 5, 2012       53:50
Medical Center   Oct 13, 2012      47:14        **Third Place Age Group**  PR

1/2 Marathon
Total Fitness Connection    March 30, 2011   2:09:51
Lady Speed Stick              Sept. 22, 2012    1:55:37
BG26.2 and Half               Nov. 4, 2012       1:53:25  **Second Place Age group**  PR

Life Lately in Pictures...