Happy Thanksgiving

It's the day before Thanksgiving and that means tomorrow officially kicks off the holiday season! (Even though some have already decorated for Christmas - myself included...whoops.) With all the hustle and bustle this time of year can bring, I'm realizing a few very important things.

I want to just hit the pause button on today...
Truly immerse myself in this special time with my family...
Slow down and enjoy the moment...
Savor the memories this magical time of year brings...
Be thankful...truly thankful...for all of the blessings that surround me...

We say all of these things year after year, but do we truly live them out? I'm making it a mission to do just that this year, because these moments can slip by so quickly. This really is a magical time of year and it always seems to go by so very fast.

Thankfulness is another mission I am trying to live out this holiday season. I know this phrase is so overused but it's a very, very true one - we are so blessed and really have SO much to be thankful for.

Do you have a roof over your head? You're blessed. Do you have a mode of transportation? You're blessed. Do you have running water and food to eat? You're blessed.

A couple  of years ago, a church in North Carolina shared a video about thankfulness and it totally put things into perspective for me.

Take a watch and see what you think!

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and truly take time to savor the moments as they pass by! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Merry Christmas 2017

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

May you always believe in the wonder, joy, and magic this season has to bring! 

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Catch Me If You Can Virtual 5K

 Disclaimer: As a Gone For A Run ambassador, I occasionally receive entry into their virtual races at no cost for purposes of review. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions stated are my own.

As you may know, I participated in last month's Run Now Gobble Later Virtual 5K (turned 4 miler) through Gone For A Run. I really enjoyed running the event with my friend Heather on Thanksgiving Day - these virtual races are always so much fun!

This month, I am participating in December's Virtual race, the Catch Me If You Can 5K. How adorable is this theme?!

A few race details:

• Virtual race will be held December 19-26th
• Registration fee is $20 which includes a finishers medal and real bib (not a download)
• Add-on options are available for purchase (see below for more info)
• This item is non-eligible for any additional promotions/coupons

This medal, y'all...not only is it pretty and colorful, it also has an ornament press on the back! Say what!

Step-by-step instructions for the ingredients and how-to create this ornament are located on Gone For A Run's website. This would be such a fun project to do with little ones!

Add on options for this race include:

• T-shirt
• Ornament
• Knee high socks
• Red & White Tutu
• Runner friendly Santa Suit
•  RokBAND in either Candy Cane or Ugly Sweater print

 
For my add-on option, I chose a RokBAND in the Ugly Sweater print and I LOVE it! Not only will I wear my headband to run this event, but I also plan on wearing it for my upcoming half marathon this weekend!  These headbands are so versatile and can be worn a multitude of different ways! Love it!

Something else I love about these races is the fact that a portion of each registration fee is donated to a different charity! For this race, proceeds are being donated to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which is a leader in supporting the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans. What an awesome cause!

Interested in participating in this one? Find a friend to run this race with you or go it solo - head over to Gone For A Run and register! There's still time - don't wait until it's too late!

Runner's Gift List

Can you believe it's already the holiday season (well, almost)?! With Thanksgiving upon us next week, it'll be December before we know it!

Last year, I had no clue what I wanted for Christmas. I was pregnant, my brain was mush (well, it felt like it anyway), and I had no clue what to get for everyone else let alone what to ask for myself! This year however, I've got it down! I always include a few running themed items on my gift list each year and this year is no exception!

I'm prepared this time around! Keep reading below for a sneak peak at my 2016 Christmas wish list!

Garmin Forerunner 230/235

 

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I've been in need of a new fitness tracker since..well, a long time. I even purchased one several years back but returned it because I didn't care for it.

This one is still a toss up, though. I'm debating between the 230 and the 235. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that one tracks your heart rate without an extra strap. I also am in love with the really cute wristband colors!

Anyone have one or the other and love it? I'd love to know your opinion!

BOB Single Handlebar Console

 

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On Black Friday last year, I made my first baby purchase...a BOB Jogging Stroller. When Brayden hit the 6 month mark last month, I was granted permission from the pediatrician to finally give it a spin (with Brayden inside, of course)!

One item that wasn't included with the stroller itself is a handlebar console to store keys/water bottles/and my phone. All necessary for carrying along on a run, of course! This is definitely a must for my Christmas list!

Mizuno Wave Inspire 13

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As a runner, I go through several pairs of shoes each year...especially once the fall training season kicks into high gear!

I've been a faithful Mizuno wearer for years and a pair of the latest Wave Inspires are always on my Christmas wish list.

Aren't these so pretty?! I just love the color of the Wave Inspire 13's!

Planner

No, I'm not joining the planning craze here...I am just in need of a planner that can help me better organize my life. The iPhone has worked for dates and appointments but I would love to have a place to better organize my schedule, especially when it comes to blogging and life extras.

The Erin Condren Life Planner is in consideration, but I haven't fully decided if that's "too much" of a planner for what I need. I've also dug through a few I found at Hobby Lobby that were super cute as well as a the Create 365 collection at Michaels.

Aaah...decisions decisions! We will see what Santa decides to bring! :)


(None of the above links are affiliate links, by the way...and I didn't receive any of the above items for free. They are truly all items that are included on my Christmas list this year!)

Any thoughts on any of the items I listed above? Anything you've tried that I should stay away from?

Today, I joined up with these ladies for a Tuesdays on the Run link up! Thanks for stopping by! :)

A Weekend of Christmas

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Mine happened to last all weekend and I loved it! The day after Christmas is one of my least favorite days of the year, so I was more than happy to continue with Christmas until Sunday.

Our Christmas festivities went a bit like this:

• Christmas lunch with Jason’s extended family
• Christmas dinner with my extended family
• Day after Christmas dinner with Jason’s immediate family
• Sunday after Christmas lunch/dinner with my immediate family

Due to crazy work schedules over the holidays (mostly on my side of the family), we had to arrange things a bit…but everything worked out just fine! 

Jason worked nights throughout the week, so as soon as he arrived home on Christmas morning, we opened gifts.

Santa visited!

Madalynn and Pixie were finally able to rip into their gifts and they were SO excited! :D

It’s Sven and Olaf!

The aftermath! :)

I made my traditional homemade pumpkin pie cinnamon rolls  and my dad came over to join me for breakfast. Unfortunately, my mom wasn’t feeling well on Christmas morning, but she felt much better as the day went on.

They were delicious! :)

As we were eating, we heard a commotion from the living room. Apparently Madalynn pushed one of her Christmas toys under the coffee table and was having trouble reaching it! Her actions were hilarious!

After a three hour nap, Jason was ready to go to his parent’s house. He was sooo tired…

Jason’s Extended family

Playing with our niece!

After Christmas dinner (of gumbo…yum) with my extended family, my mom, dad, and puppies hopped in the car and drove around to see Christmas lights!

The day after Christmas brought a 4 mile run, complete with festive socks and jingle bells!

For dinner the day after Christmas, we visited and spent time with Jason’s immediate family.

Fajitas are their family tradition for this specific get-together! So delicious!

Somehow, Uncle Jason’s lap became stuffed animal central!

On the Sunday after Christmas, we piled all of our gifts and food items into the back of my dad’s vehicle and drove to my brother’s house (about an hour and a half or so) to celebrate Christmas with them. My brother also had to work (and out of town at that) over Christmas, so we waited to celebrate when we could all be together. In my opinion, Christmas isn’t Christmas until those you love are with you. It doesn’t matter when you celebrate, it’s all about family and spending time together!

Off we go!

Santa visited, again!

He also left stockings for us! Yes, we all still receive stockings from “Santa”! :D

Food, yummy food!

The perfect runner’s gift (from my sister-in-law)!

FitBit’s for the family!

After eating to our heart’s content, we played a crazy game of Quelf, then said our goodbyes….

…but not before a group picture, first!

Our family might be small, but we sure know how to have a good time!! :D

How was your holiday? Please share, I want to hear all about it! Did you spend time with family? Was Santa good to you?

Easter Décor 2014

Holidays are something I absolutely love decorating for in my home. A few “favorite” holidays are Christmas (of course), Fall, Valentines Day, and Spring/Easter.

With Good Friday tomorrow and Easter on Sunday, I thought it would be fun to give you a glimpse of my home decorated for the holiday!

I purchased this wreath at Michael’s a few years back. I fell in love with the colors!

These bunnies are on the entry way table and great guests as the enter the front door.

Dining room table, complete with a bunny and chick salt/pepper shaker.

These guys came from Target last year.

The candle on the coffee table is jelly bean scented (smells delicious, by the way) and is from Kohls (the candle holder as well). The bunny was a gift from a friend a few years ago.

Love these letters over the fireplace!

This flower is from Hobby Lobby and stands on the side of the television.

Bunny Mickey is also a gift from a friend several years ago…2009, I think!

Aren’t these guys adorable? Someone hand crafted them and brought them to our Relay for Life silent auction last weekend. I had to have a set!

This Easter basket is in the living room, on the side table next to the couch. I love this as it’s a reminder of Jason’s proposal of marriage to me. :0)

Anniversary flowers still looking great! These are in the breakfast nook area.

Decorative kitchen towels – these came from Kohls last year.

Last but not least, I accidentally purchased this wreath last year because I forgot about the one I was already using on the front door.

Now I have a back door wreath, too! :0)

Are you a decorator? If so, what holidays do you decorate for?

Merry Christmas 2013

As I was driving to work yesterday morning, a song began to play and it brought tears to my eyes. The song spoke words of truth for so many during the holiday season – there are those all around us who are hurting.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the fun and happiness of the season (myself included), we often forget those who have lost loved ones throughout the year – those who are spending their first year with an empty chair at their table. Those who have no family at all to share the holidays with…those who are sick, in a hospital, or a hospice ward. I’m not saying any of this to be a Debbie Downer, I’m hoping this will serve as a reminder to show love to everyone, especially during the holiday season. You never know what others are going through – a simple smile or a small act of kindness can make a stranger’s day.

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On a lighter note, we had fun taking family Christmas pictures this year!  I didn’t have outside assistance with our pictures this year, so the fact we captured a good shot was a miracle in itself.

I set the scene with my additional lighting and positioned Jason, Pixie, & Madalynn the way I wanted them. As soon as I hit the timer button, I would dash to my chair, then grab Madalynn and pose. Right before the timer went off, I would throw a treat or a toy towards the camera in order to make the dogs look that way. All in the span of 20 seconds…whew! (I did this about 30 times – talk about my workout for the day!)

What we received in turn were several “out-takes” before one we were both satisfied with.

Evil eyes…haha!

I mustache you to have a wonderful Christmas!

Yummy treat…why is it on the floor??

Mid-air treat toss…too late!

Last but not least, from our family to yours….

Have a wonderful day and enjoy every moment…a very Merry Christmas to you!