Will run for.....

One of the things that I've missed the most about running is that release of endorphins, and that feeling that you get when you're all finished, a feeling of accomplishment. Like so many moms, I have, in many ways neglected myself. Between the babies and the house and the garden and the job and church and friends and family and my husband, I forgot that the person taking care of all those things might need a little attention too. Trust me, moms, if you completely neglect yourself, spiritually, physically, or mentally, it does not benefit those that you care most about.God designed women to be able to juggle so many things, but if we never slow down,and we never allow ourselves a portion of time to recover, we can become bitter and resentful, or just flat out exhausted. Then we are no good to anybody! for me, part of dealing with my fibromyalgia is to exercise. If I don't exercise, it becomes much worse. So this last year I decided to get back into shape and pick up an old habit from years ago. I have enjoyed running in two separate 5 K's this year, challenging myself,and enjoying that time with friends. There is so much more to running than simply exercising. I accomplish several things at once..Soooooo, I will run to stay healthy, meditate, spend time in prayer, enjoy my music, unwind, release stress, lose weight, build strength, ward off fibromyalgia, be a better mom, and a better wife, and, drumroll please.....have fun!!! I hope you are inspired to do the same!

Settling in

Long time no writing! Last time I blogged, we were in the process of moving. We have been so busy, all the way around, with life in general. I finally have time to stop and smell the peonies! Within the first week of moving, we were mostly unpacked, other than some odds and ends. We didn't have enough furniture to fill the place, which was fine. We were just happy for all the extra space. Since moving, we have painted and decorated Drews' room, in kind of a vintage car theme, and Alli Carolines' room, (yellow, of course), and hers is also a little vintage as well, with bird décor, and my antique dresser, and some really sweet lanterns hanging around her bed. We painted our living room and it's almost finished as far as décor, and we painted and decorated the playroom, which turned out sweet and whimsical, just as I was hoping it would be. We are still working on the kitchen, but so far we have had the cabinets painted by Jasons' dad, and he did a beautiful job. I have spent hours peeling the 1972 wallpaper, my dad and Jason pulled out some cabinets to give it more of an open concept feel, and we just hung two red pendant lights over the little island/counter area. It is coming along! The rest of the rooms still need painted, but they are totally livable until we get to it. I am enjoying only having to go to work three days a week, and Jason just got a new and wonderful job, after many years at the same place. It was hard for him to adjust at first, but they seem to hold him in high regard, and have really shown him how much they appreciate them. He is now an IMI assistant manager, and he loves his job, and it has been a huge step up income-wise, so I am thankful for that too! Drew and I just got done planting our veggie garden about a week and a half ago, and we already have 7 to 8 veggies that are popping up and well on their way! I enjoy digging and planting so much, probably more than any other hobby, so it has been quite gratifying, as it is for most gardeners. Alli C is now 13 months old, and she has been running since about 11 months...yes, running. She is afraid of almost nothing, and is into everything. She is a snuggle bug, and loves to eat. There isn't much she won't eat, hence the sweet chunky thighs! She babbles all day, and she loves her Bubby Drew. Drew is 4 now, and will start pre-school this Fall;( It's hard to believe he is ready for school, but I am so proud of him. He is charming, and quite a comedian. He has a beautiful voice, and loves to go around the house singing. He is also rather quirky, and likes things a certain way. (Too young to diagnose, but I'd say OCD, for certain). All the parents are doing well. Justins' boys are growing like weeds, and they are the sweetest. Jordan just attended his first prom, and he is driving now (what????????!!!). Amanda is getting married in July! She has a great, Christian, loving man, who also happens to be super cute. (Good for her). I am so happy for her, and I think she has met her match. They are very much alike, both super intellectual, and have common interests. God had something in mind for her all along, and all we had to do is trust Him. He is SO good. He is unbelievably good. He is good in storms and in sunshine. He never leaves us and He is always waiting when we wander. I can't imagine life without having a personal relationship with Him. Every single thing we have, every earthly blessing can be removed from us. People die, move away, betray, and material things break. Jobs can be lost, health will decline. He is the only thing that remains. For all of the blessings he has given us, we are eternally grateful. For his Son, we are even more grateful. I am so glad I have friends to remind me of these truths during the hard times, because there will ALWAYS be hard times. And there will ALWAYS  be Jesus. #feelingthankfulandblessedbeyondmeasure