Running for my sanity

As you have noticed from some older posts I have recently picked up running. Running has become a true blessing to me. Once I put on my running gear, lace up my sneakers, turn on my fancy new watch, and begin my playlist, I am ready to roll. While I am pounding the pavement my head begins to clear. Running is more for my sanity.

I have noticed a few changes in my mood and attitude. I have realized that I can in fact do anything. I would have thought it impossible for me to run 4.5 miles, but I put that theory to rest yesterday.

I feel better about myself. I know some see it as selfish to make running/exercising a priority in my life, but I feel that I am a better person. I have more energy, eat healthier, and have a more positive attitude. This leads me to be a better wife and teacher. My relationship with the Lord has also changed. This is my time of solitude. I am able to put trust and faith in God. I often find myself relying on him to give me the strength and endurance I need to run. Also, anything I need to talk to God about I am able to do at this time.

When I finish my run, yes I might be exhausted, but my soul and mind are rejuvenated.

I have listed some things that have gotten me from .25 miles to 4.5 miles. 1. The encouragement and support from my husband and family. 2. The time alone to clear my head or spend talking to God. 3. Fun and comfortable running gear. (There is no reason why you can't look stylish while running.) 4. The feeling of accomplishment and pride. 5. Signing up for races. 6. The toned legs. (So there might be a little bit of vanity). 7. The fact that I can outlast Scott:)

Now I just have to be able to run 1.70 miles longer and I will be ready to conquer the CRBR.

Rather if it is running or not I hope you all have something that you Crave. Something that doesn't hinder your relationship with God, your family & friends, or yourself. We all deserve a little bit of selfishness.

B&B nite

With the 9 lbs. of bbq we have, (that's right 9 lbs, its not a typo) we used 1 lb and had dinner with baked seasoned fries.

For dessert: low fat vanilla ice cream topped with cabernet chocolate sauce and crumbled shout outs girl scout cookies. Yum!

And just for fun! Our furry dog that likes to sit like a human for a belly rub.

Vegan Pizza???

Ok, well just the mere fact that we LOVE cheese keeps us from begin vegan. Although, Scott and I are working really hard at exercising and being more health conscious. I have really been into ready blogs from people who are living their life the same way. They are great resources for recipe ideas. While we are not going vegetarian or vegan I did really want to give this pizza dough a chance. It looked so good, I thought why not. So mine didn't turn out quite as pretty as hers, but it tasted pretty darn good.

Pizza before it was cooked.

After.

Happy Valentine's Day

I know I am really behind on my blog. Since Scott and I have been married Valentine's Day just doesn't seem to be the same. However, we do always enjoy an excuse to have a nice evening at home with a good bottle of wine. Also a good excuse to get a sweet card from your love:) This year we decided to do fondue. We are more cheese and chocolate people. So we just dipped into a pot of swiss cheese fondue with apples, carrots, bread, marinated olives, and pepperoni. For dessert we split an almond tiramisu. Dinner was so easy and delicious.

Strike City

One Friday evening we decided to meet at the Epicenter to go bowling with Ash, Trent, and Roo. We had a great time eating, drinking, bowling, and enjoying Roo all to OURSELVES! By the way, one game of bowling is about all I am good for.

After a few gutter balls I finally got a strike!!!!

I think you can tell we are sisters by our eyes.

He looks thrilled to be taking a picture.

Those eyes look mischievous.

Roo helping my score out with a few spares.

SURPRISE!!!!

A couple of weeks ago my Papa turned 80. My family decided that we were blessed to still have him in our lives. We knew we couldn't pass up the opportunity to throw him a small surprise party. Did I mention he lives in Oklahoma? Without any hesitation we booked plane tickets, hotel rooms, a rental car, and informed my cousin of our plans. She was more than happy to help plan Papa's party in OK. All we had to do was get there. Sounds simple enough, right? Oh, well that was the week where they got 18" of snow. They haven't seen that much snow since....well, a really long time. But God was on our side and with safe travels and one delay we all reached OK to celebrate.

Friday night we met up with my newly engaged cousin, her fiance, and nephew for dinner.

To say my mom is ready for grandkids would be an understatement.

It is scary how much Christian looks like his mom.

Saturday morning was the day we had been waiting for. It had been almost 2 years since we had seen Papa, so we were anxiously awaiting his arrival. To say that we surprised him would be putting it mildly. My unemotional Papa showed us how much he appreciated our efforts, while my emotional mom was well, emotional. It was a day none of us will ever forget.

Surprise!!!!

I still stand by the fact that I have the most hamdsome Papa.

My family hates goodbyes:(

Family portrait:)

Do you notice Scott's look alike?

Papa has already informed me that he will be alive for us to celebrate with him until he turns 140 years old. I love his optimism. He is a man that is respected, admired, deeply loved, and cared for by all of the women in his life. Growing up my mom would always say "my daddy hung the moon." As we got older we understood what she meant and share the same thought. I promise every daughter and granddaughter of his would tell you so. We love you Papa!

Wonderful caretakers

This week has entered my 3rd week of my cold. After a full day of sneezing, chills, and blowing my nose, I came home from work Wednesday took a bath and went straight to bed. My wonderful husband brought me dinner in bed, did our mound of laundry, and let me rest. I decided to sleep in until 7 Thursday morning and go into work just in time for my 2nd block class. When I got to work they sent me home. I guess they could tell I didn't need to be there. The sweet office ladies called in a sub for me and told me to go get some rest. Once I got home I literally slept all day. This is what our sofa looked like yesterday/last night.
They are quite the snugglers. Scott waited on me hand and foot. He kept me hydrated,

warm with blankets, made sure I had plenty of tissues for my nose, warm heat packs for

my sinuses, and got me chicken noodle soup from Panera bread. He is the cutest "Dr." I

have ever had take care of me.

After a trip to the real dr. tis morning I learned I do in fact have a sinus infection and she

recommended me to not go into work. After a trip to Target, I have completely disinfected

our house which has required a lot of energy from me:( I am now going to take a nap.

Congratulations

Last Wednesday my mom went before the board to become an Ordained Deacon. This is something that she has been working on for years. She is getting so close to the end! Next month she will go before the board (hopefully for the last time) and answer 3 questions.

We are so proud of all she has accomplished with her ministry. We couldn't wait to celebrate with her after the grueling day of interviews and questions. The boys prepared dinner for us and they had red velvet cake for dessert.

We had flowers and Gloria sparkling wine waiting.

Welcome Home Mom!

Last week my mom was in town and she stayed with us. There are lots of reasons why I enjoy having my mom in town. We used to see each once a week and now it is about once a month. It has been quite a change, but something we are getting used to. One of the many added perks to having my mom stay at our home is: Scott and I came home from work Tuesday and she had emptied out the dishwasher, done some laundry, and made this delicious dinner.

Salad with strawberries, toasted almonds, feta cheese,

drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Accompanying the salad was roasted asparagus and filet medallions.

Oh yeah, and some red wine:)

Thursday Nite

Thursday is quickly becoming my favorite day of the week. I think it is because I know the next day is Friday and then the weekend. On the Thursday nights we don't meet Ash and Trent for sushi, this is what a typical thursday night looks like after a cycle class.

Scott was a little snap happy after dinner.

Poor thing needs a bath and a hair cut.

Bubble baths have become a thursday night ritual for me.

Santa brought me this wonderful smelling stuff from B&BW.

My reading material this time was about Turks & Caicos. We have a trip

planned this summer with some friends and can't wait! Tissues were for

my snotty nose.

With a little bit of tough love, these dogs are learning that they can't

get on our bed.

This Weeks Eats

Even being sick I was able to create some pretty delicious meals for this week. This week was a lot of carbs, but in moderation they aren't bad for you.

With this fun colorful pasta I made some homemade roasted red pepper sauce.

I had added some spinach for some greens.

Thanks Mom and Chris for the noodles. Can you bring more?

With lots of leftovers from Monday nights dinner I decided to add some

salmon to the pasta with a side of peas. Just as delicious the second time.

I had a few ripe bananas so I used a cooking light recipe for banana bread!

Breakfast night is a favorite. Turkey sausage, scrambled eggs with mozzarella cheese,

and whole wheat pancakes with apple butter. Notice

the jar in the background is almost empty. Thanks Whit!

Trader Joes Turkey meatballs with Harry and David merlot pasta sauce.

This is so easy and fantastic!