Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful that we have a second toilet again!!!

For those that are new to the blog the master bathroom has been in a state of remodel (as in totally demolished) for close to 2 years (2 1/2 months short of two years!).  It's been a roller coaster of a remodel with unexpected major repairs (like replacing all the pipes and rotted sub-flooring) to waiting and waiting for tile and other supplies to come in.  It's been one major hurdle after another, and way more $$ than budgeted for.  I guess I should really be thankful that we have a guest bathroom...it's allowed us to save up and work new expenses into the budget as we go.    

The upside is it's going to be the nicest, maybe most expensive, room in the house!  I'm excited to share pictures, but it's Mark's project so I'm waiting until he gives the green light on sharing.  

Anyway, the new toilet went in Monday, worked twice and then was plugged and no longer working by Tuesday morning.  Mark figured it was the wax seal he used and decided to pull the toilet and replace the seal with a different kind.  Only this is what he found when he pulled the toilet...

 
...apparently Sky wanted to "work" in the bathroom as well and left some tools behind.  I'm super thankful Mark has a great sense of humor and wasn't even mad.  He was cracking up when he walked out to show me what the problem was.  Mostly we are thankful it was toy screw drivers and nothing major, like bad plumbing.  This was an easy fix and within a few minutes we were back to a two toilet house!  We just have to keep Sky and her tool box out of there!

There is still a lot to be done in the bathroom, but at least there are two working toilets again...with a potty training tot in the house a second toilet is helpful!  Yes I'm totally aware that having two toilets is a first world problem...there are those that don't even have one.  I'm very thankful for the life I live and the home Mark works so hard to keep over our heads!

A few other things I'm thankful for today:
-Rain, because it means I'm not running in freezing, or below, temps like a lot of the country!
-That I managed an 8:06 mile with the Tuesday Night group and while I ended with positive splits I was under 9:30 the entire time.  It was way harder than it should have been, but I'm thankful the Holiday break didn't set me back too far!
-That my Aunt sent Sky's favorite coloring books that we left there.  I knew they were missing, but had no idea where they went.  I'm just glad she sent them back before Sky asked for them!
-That we have zero plans for the day.  Sky and I can do whatever we want (I'm thinking puddle stomping at the park) with zero plans/obligations.  I love having a free day and letting her direct what activities we do.
-That it's a Pilates day and not a running day...my legs need the break!

Tell me one thing you are thankful for!  

 

Back To Normal

This week really feels like we are finally getting back to a normal schedule around here.  Even though Mark is working from home all week (and that is not normal) my schedule is back to normal as is Sky's.
 
We were super excited to get back to Monday morning play dates with Reagan yesterday!  Sky had been sick for so long, and with busy Holiday schedules it had been over a month I think since the girls had seen each other.   

Reagan was probably happy to see us go so she could have her trampoline all to herself.  Sky loved that thing!!! 

Sky was super excited to see Harrison (Reagan's little brother) again today.  Despite what it looks like she is not trying to take his block out of his hands.  She was actually really excited to see him and spent all morning talking about sharing with Harrison at Play To Learn.  If Sky doesn't learn anything else from her Play To Learn classes at least she has learned that sharing is nice and she is really great about taking turns!  For the record though she has learned tons of other stuff as well.

The upside of Mark working from home is that the online classes tend to be over earlier than when he would normally be home from work.  So, it gives us a jump on the evenings activity, which last night was another stroller run.  It was cold, and it felt pretty hard, but I did manage to run the hill that is my nemesis with the stroller, without a walking break!  That is progress folks! 

As much as  I LOVE running with the babe and baby, I'm looking forward to a stroller free run tonight with the group.  It's guaranteed to kick my a$$ but I want to see where I'm at without the stroller.  I don't even mind that it's raining...at least we are not in a deep freeze like other parts of the country are!  Mostly I'm just really excited to have my "normal" running schedule back.  The Holiday's fell on group run days, so it's been two weeks with no "hard" run.

After our run and dinner last night there were two sleepy heads who were super content to cuddle on the couch and watch the BCS Bowl Game.

Love those two so much! 

Anyone else out there watch College Football?  I was pretty impressed with how close the games were, at least the ones I watched.  They all seemed to come down to the final seconds of the game...I love that!

While it's practically a heat wave in the PNW...I didn't even need a scarf or gloves today, I know some of you have really cold weather to deal with right now!  Stay warm, and stay safe! 

What's your favorite "warm yourself up" drink when it's cold outside?
Hot Buttered Rum! 

Family Running Time

100% of my 2014 runs have been with the babe and the baby...that is so strange for me, and really wonderful at the same time. 

I know most runners would refer to it as junk miles, but I have to say there is something to be said for non-training runs!  Running, for fun, in the company of my two favorite people...no junk in that!  It's a lot more relaxed, miles and pace don't matter at all, and I get to take a lot more pictures than normal. 

I usually try and limit the stroller running to 1 run a week, that's what works best for me, but I'm finding that with the more relaxed pace I'm able to focus on foot strike and cadence, and it's actually working really well for me. 

This week was going to be my get back to normal week, but since Mark is working from home all week it's actually going to include more stroller running, but I'm totally ok with that!  I want to take advantage of all this family running time while I can! 

Our Friday run in the sun!  That's Mark way ahead and me trying to catch up...I did eventually!

I actually get good speed work in when we run together.  If I need to stop for any reason, tying a shoe/getting a rock out of my shoe, Mark keeps going and then I get to sprint to catch up.  Great way to blast my legs and get a bit of speed work in!

Anyone else out there run with their sig other/kiddos?  

Things I'm Enjoying!

A completely random list of things I'm loving and just have to share:

-Kindle Paper White - It's also the reason for lack of posting the past two days!  My new Kindle Paper White has me spending all my spare time (i.e. blogging time) reading!  4 books in less than two weeks.  I just keep coming across really great reads and can't put them down!  I love that it tells you how many minutes until the end of the chapter, it helps me know when to stop so I don't stay up too late.  

-Arm Warmers!  I'm cold a lot and these fingerless arm warmers are cute and warm, and I find myself wearing them all the time.  Check out Valkin Threads HERE !  Great prices, lot's of color and length choices, and awesome customer service with quick delivery! 

-Fresh Tamales from Los Hermandez in Union Gap, WA.  If you are ever in the area, even just passing through, you must stop and get some fresh tamales!  They are super popular though so calling ahead and placing your order is the way to go.  509-457-6003, I now have their number in my phone because from now on when we make the trip to E WA we are getting tamales going over and coming back!  We have tried the Pork, Chicken, and the Cheese and Jalapeno (only I had those since Mark can't have cheese) and they are all equally yummy! 

I'm also really loving the new dishes I got for Christmas!!!

-Lounging in my sweat pants!  I hesitated to put them on my wish list because they are (in my opinion) really expensive for sweat pants.  I really wasn't counting on receiving them, but am so, so, so glad I did!  I have literally worn them every day since Christmas, and when I wash them I only do it when I know I can wash/dry within a few hours so I won't be without them for long.  I can't find them for purchase on the site, but HERE is the Osielle site so you can keep an eye out for them.  Get a pair if you can, totally worth the $$ with the perfect not fitted, but not baggy look that goes from couch to out and about super easy!

Oiselle sizing runs small, so I ordered the next size up and they are perfect!

-Ton's of running time with the babe and baby, and lot's of play time at the park between football games!  

Since every run in 2014 has been a stroller run I took a break today.  Too many days in a row of pushing the stroller is just not a good thing for my body or form.  So Sky and I hit the park sans stroller so she could trail run and explore. 

-Lastly, Rice Porridge with Chicken!  Made it last night for dinner and I was craving it for breakfast and lunch today!  It's has Asian flavor to it thanks to fish sauce, and while that may sound strange it's really very yummy!

Recipe from: Recipes from My Home Kitchen by Christine Ha

 

Ingredients:

1 cup Jasmine Rice (I used Basmati since it's what I had on hand)

6 cups Poultry Stock or low-sodium chicken broth

1 boiled chicken breast, shredded (I used two skinless, boneless breasts and steamed them)

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, peeled and minced (I grated the ginger)

2 Tablespoons fish sauce, or to taste (I used 3 Tablespoons)

4 scallions, thinly slices

3 sprigs cilantro, finely chopped 

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, stock, chicken, onion, and ginger and bring to a lot boil.  Reduce the heat and add the fish sauce.  cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is the desired consistence.  Season to taste with black pepper and additional fish sauce (I didn't add any additional fish sauce).  Garnish with the scallions and cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.

Do yourself a favor and make this porridge, you won't regret it!!!  

Tell me two things you have been enjoying lately!  

Would You Rather - Link Up

I'm skipping the usual Thankful Thursday post to Link Up with Cori at http://olivetorun.com/
for her Would You Rather Running Style Survey.  Check out her blog if you would like to link up as well!

I liked her questions and found myself thinking of what my answers would be, so thought what the heck I can forgo the usual Thursday post just this once.  :) 

Just so this isn't a 100% text post here is a Sky pic that has nothing to do with Would You rather!

 Loves her Mini Mouse zip-up and I love the star pants!

Ok, now for Would You Rather:
#1. Would you rather run in a thunderstorm or a snowstorm?
Snowstorm for sure.  It may be cold, but it's also peaceful, you have the trail/sidewalk to yourself, and it makes me feel kinda bad ass!  Plus if there is thunder there is also lighting and I don't want to get struck by lighting!
 
#2. Would you rather breathe through your nose or breathe through your mouth?
I breath in through the nose and out through the mouth, so I do both.  If I had to pick just one I would say mouth...more oxygen that way.

#3. Would you rather do 100 squats or 100 crunches? [Now take a break and go do them. ;)]
Crunches, all day long I would rather do crunches!

#4. Would you rather have a baked good for dessert or an extra serving of your favorite entree?
I love all things savory and salty so I would totally go for the extra serving of entree.

#5. Would you rather run on a treadmill for an hour or run around the same street block for an hour?
There is no good answer to this one.  I want to say treadmill because I think I could read or watch TV to help pass the time, but since I get motion sick on treadmills realistically I would be stuck running the same block for an hour.  I guess if I can run a cruise ship track (it was like 10 or 12 laps for a mile!) for an hour I can run the same block for an hour.

#6. Would you rather have a headache during a run or a side stitch?
Headache, I find that they tend to go away rather quickly while running.

#7. Would you rather have a rest day on a work day or a day off?
As a Stay At Home Mom this one confuses me...every day is a work day, or maybe every day is a day off?  I guess my answer is I want my rest day to fall on Football Sunday!

#8. Would you rather be a race director or a race volunteer?
Volunteer.  No desire to be responsible enough to be a race director!

#9. Would you rather spend your money on running gadgets [HRM, GPS watch, Headphones] or running shoes?
Another trick question...I haven't had to pay for the last 2 pairs of shoes, but I have also been given most of my gadgets.  I'm going outside the box on this one and saying I would rather spend my money on running outfits and ProCompression socks! 

#10. Would you rather run in a relay or do the run portion of a distance triathlon?
I'm going with relay on this one.  Isn't the run portion of a distance triathlon 26.2?  I have zero desire to run 26.2 miles in a single go.

If you want to link up with Olivetorun visit today's post HERE and click on the link up link at the bottom of the post. 

One last Sky pic...another new outfit...

She would not stand still for this picture at all!

14 Years Later...

Who knew that I was meeting the man of my dreams January 1, 2000.  Let me tell you if he can fall in love (maybe it was just lust that first day?) with the me that was so very hung over that first day of 2000 well then I'm golden for the rest of our lives!!!  ;-)

We have always felt like today is more our anniversary than our wedding day is.  1/1/00 is the day that changed our lives, way more than saying vows and signing a legal document did.

New Years Day has been my favorite day of the year ever since I was a kid (football all day and tons of food!), but now it's my favorite day of the year because it's the day I met my husband and my life changed for the better, forever!  We have already had so many amazing twists and turns that I feel spoiled by this amazing life we live.  It may not always be big and fancy, but it is happy and full of love, adventure, and lot's of laughter.  I wouldn't change a thing and I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for us!

To celebrate our anniversary we decided to skip walking around Zoo Lights in the rain and take Sky out to dinner with us for Sushi instead!

 Mad chopstick skills yo!

Testing out her kiddie chopsticks. 

 Miso soup, she loved it and the tofu!

 Mark and I split this and Sky had grilled chicken, although she kept snagging our sushi!

Scarfing some raw salmon, she LOVED it!

Then we came home, got cozy, made drinks and watched Polar Express.  I can't tell you how nice it was to have a quiet night at home in pj's and in bed early.  I don't mind having a party and sharing our anniversary with our friends, but I also love having the babe and baby to myself on our special day.    

Plus the early bed time meant I was able to get a run in this morning.  Sadly Michelle was too sick to run so Mark and Sky decided to run in the new year with me.    

Nothing crazy, just a nice easy run to say hello 2014!

While I'm sorry Michelle is sick, and I was really looking forward to an ass kicking on 5 Mile Drive, it is kinda perfect that I got to run with Mark (and Sky) on our anniversary!   

I hope you had a festive (and safe) New Years Eve and that 2014 is full of nothing but the best life has to offer!  

Who ran last night/this morning?